LEXINGTON, Ky. by Jake Most – Kentucky track and field’s Sha’keela Saunders was named National Athlete of the Week by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association on Wednesday.
Saunders began her season on Friday with a long jump of 21-feet, 6.25 inches (6.56 meters).
The mark took national lead by more than one foot.
That mark was her indoor personal best, meaning she opened the 2015-16 season with a mark better than what she produced to win both the Southeastern Conference title and NCAA Silver Medal last year.
Saunders mark was also a Gladstein Fieldhouse and Hoosier Open record.
Kentucky will next compete in two home meets, the Kentucky Invitational and McCravy Memorial in consecutive weekends during mid-January.
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Jake Most (jake.most@uky.edu) – (859) 257-3838
