Bowerman Award Within Reach For Lawson
NEW ORLEANS – Recently recognized as a finalist for an ESPY for best male collegiate athlete, Arkansas senior Jarrion Lawson was named one of three finalists by the USTFCCCA for the Bowerman Award Friday afternoon, the top achievement in track and field.
Joined on the distinguished list by fellow Southeastern Conference (SEC) athlete Donavan Brazier of Texas A&M and three-time Bowerman Award finalist Edward Cheserek of Oregon, Lawson is the first Razorback in the history of Arkansas men’s track and field to be selected as a finalist for the award.
The Bowerman Award emerged in 2009 as the top award in collegiate track and field presented annually to the most outstanding male and female athletes in the country. Past recipients of the trophy include Olympians and World championship medalists.
The winner of the award will be determined by combination of votes from the Bowerman Watch List Committee, USTFCCCA members and fans. Voting will open today at 2 p.m. allowing fans to submit their selection for The Bowerman Trophy on TheBowerman.org. The finalist with the most fan votes will receive three points toward their toward their point total.
An incredible ambassador for the sport, Lawson exceeded expectations at the 2016 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship winning not only his signature long jump event but also sweeping the short sprints in the 100-meter dash and 200.
Selfless in his pursuit of excellence Lawson is driven by team success and often looked to his coaches during his career for direction on what more he could do for the Razorbacks.
Entering the program in 2013 primarily as a jumper, Lawson sprinted his way onto the well-known Razorback 400 and 1,600 relays. Improving his power and strength through the assistance of the support staff, the raw talent out of Texarkana, Texas native evolved into an individual dual-threat by his junior season.
In his four legendary years representing the Razorbacks, Lawson amassed a plethora of athletic and academic accolades, including four gold medals this season and first team academic All-American recognition.
He will compete at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials on July 1-10 in hopes of making the national team in the 100, 200 and long jump.
Bowerman Award Finalists
Donavan Brazier – Texas A&M
Edward Cheserek – Oregon
Jarrion Lawson – Arkansas
For more information on Arkansas track and field including in-meet updates, follow @RazorbackTF on Twitter.
