Barnes, Tolbert named MAC Athletes of the Week
Competitors in the women’s mile make the turn toward the finish line during a dual meet at the Kent State Field house between Kent State and Akron on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016. The lady flashes fell to the Zips 80-71.
Seniors Will Barnes and Donovan Tolbert of the Kent State men’s track and field were named Mid-American Conference Athletes of the Week after tremendous performances at the Akron Dual on Jan. 22.
Tolbert was named field athlete of the week after breaking his own personal, school and fieldhouse record, jumping 16.18m (53’ 1”) and ranking fourth in the country.
“I feel extremely blessed to be chosen twice in two weeks,” Tolbert said. “All the glory goes to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for the gift that he has blessed me with (and) makes me excited for what is ahead the rest of the season.”
Donovan could find no other explanation for his success beside prayer and preparation.
Barnes placed first in the 60-meter hurdles and the 200-meter dash. The pair teamed up at the Akron Dual to give the Flashes 15 of the team’s scored 68 points.
As of now, Tolbert is ranked fourth in the nation in the triple jump and Barnes is ranked fifth in the 60-meter hurdles. These times and distances should qualify the two seniors for the track and field nationals this year.
Samantha Lough is a sports reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].