Laquan Nairn and Natasha McDonald named ITF National Athlete of the Week on Tuesday

LEVELLAND—After soaring his way into the top position at the Tyson Invitational over the weekend, South Plains' Laquan Nairn was named the Men's NJCAA ITF National Athlete of the Week on Tuesday.

The Bahamas native jumped 25' 7.25" in the long jump at the University of Arkansas on Saturday which currently ranks as the top distance in the NJCAA, and the ninth longest jump in the country (NJCAA and NCAA levels).

"After all that Laquan has been through with his injuries, just to have the mental strength to come back and be even stronger this year is really impressive," South Plains track and field head coach Erik Vance said. "He has done everything he is supposed to do, and he has worked extremely hard to get to where he's at. I'm just really happy for him, and I really believe there's bigger things coming from him."

The Lady Texans were just as impressive over the weekend as freshman sprinter Natasha McDonald was named the Women's NJCAA ITF National Athlete of the Week after posting a final time of 55.30 in the 400 meters, which currently sits as the fastest time in the NJCAA.

McDonald also helped the Lady Texans earn the second-fastest time in the NJCAA in the women's 4x400, crossing the finish line at the 3:43.23 mark. All in all, Vance couldn't be happier with the way his freshman sprint specialist has performed this season.

"We anticipated that Natasha would run fast, but to put up the top time in the NJCAA was extremely impressive, and we were really excited to see that," Vance said. "She's kind of in the same boat as Laquan in that I don't even think we've scratched the surface of what she's capable of."