Forrest Jones earn weekly honors

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Senior Shawn Forrest and freshman Whitney Jones, members of the Arkansas Razorback track and field teams, have been named Southeastern Conference Athletes of the Week, it was announced on Tuesday. Both Forrest and Jones are being honored for the second time this outdoor season.

Forrest, the SEC Runner of the Week, set a school record in the 10,000 meters at the Cardinal Invitational. Running in the top heat of the 10K, Forrest clocked a time of 27:52.10 for a bronze finish. He finished first among collegians with his school record time. He replaced the previous school record of 28:07.27 set by former Razorback Josphat Boit in 2005.

Forrest’s time is a personal best by 30 seconds, leads the SEC by 28 seconds, ranks second in the NCAA and is the ninth-fastest time in the world for 2009. Forrest now leads the SEC in both the 5K and the 10K.

With his 10K time, Forrest is now automatically qualified for the NCAA Championships in the event. He also holds the NCAA’s No. 2 5,000-meter time of 13:28.81 which qualifies him for the NCAA Regional Championships.

Jones has been named the SEC Freshman of the Week for her performance at the Arkansas Twilight. Before the running events were cancelled and field events halted because of inclement weather, Jones finished second overall and first among collegians in the long jump.

Her best jump of the day measured 20-1.75 and is an improved personal best and regional qualifier. She ranks fourth in the SEC and first among freshman jumpers.

Arkansas Razorback track and field will compete next at the SEC Championships, May 14-17, in Gainesville, Fla. For more information, visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.