Panthers Win Three Of Four Track Honors

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Eastern Illinois men’s and women’s indoor track will return to action on January 23 when they host the EIU Mega Meet but on Tuesday afternoon three Panther athletes were recognized by the Ohio Valley Conference for their performances from the EIU Early Bird in December 

Kandace Arnold, Chandra Golden and Darren Patterson were named the OVC male and female athletes of the week for their respective disciplines following top performances at the Panthers lone meet of the season to date. 

Arnold was named the OVC Female Field Athlete of the Week after winning the shot put at the EIU Early Bird with a school record distance of 49’7.25”. That mark currently leads the OVC. Arnold also placed third among collegiate competitors in the weight throw with a mark of 57’5”. 

Golden was named the OVC Female Track Athlete of the Week as she opened her senior season with a pair of wins in the 60m dash and 60m hurdles at the EIU Early Bird. Golden won the 60m dash with a time of 7.68 while winning the 60m hurdles with a time of 8.73 

Patterson, a junior college transfer, began his EIU career placing first in the 200m and second in the 60m dash at the EIU Early Bird. Patterson posted a 200m time of 22.10 that is the best in the OVC thus far. His 60m mark was 6.93. He also ran a leg on the winning 4x400 relay team that finished at 3:21.57. 

The only other award winner was Tyson Kemp of Tennessee State named the OVC Male Field Athlete of the Week.