DeVante Lacy Named NAOTW

For the second straight week, a member of the South Plains College Track and Field program has been named the National Athlete of the Week by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

DeVonte Lacy, a sophomore sprinter from Houston, Texas, was named the NAOTW after his dazzling performance at the Tyson Invitational at the University of Arkansas on February 13. Lacy's final time of 46.61 in the 400 meters not only took the top position, but also currently sits as the fastest time in the NJCAA.

"Devante did a great job of putting in the work necessary to be successful during fall training and over the Christmas break," South Plains coach Erik Vance said. "Last year he had some injury issues, but this year he has stayed healthy and his work is showing on the track."

After just three meets in the Indoor season, the Texans have had two athletes earn the honors of the top athlete in the NJCAA. At the Charlie Thomas Invitational in College Station, Hassan Abdi took the top spot in the men's 5000 meters, as his final time of 14:49.67, which is currently the fastest time in the NJCAA, put him ahead of Clemson's Clayton Wilson and Rice University's Marco Ruiz.

Abdi would then go on to break the South Plains College school record following his fourth place finish in the men's 3000 meters, with a finishing time 8:21.11, which currently sits as the second fastest time in the NJCAA.

"It is great for athletes in our program to be recognized nationally for two weeks if a row," Vance said. "It really reminds recruits and supporters of the high quality of our program, and it is an achievement for our current athletes to aspire to achieve."

The Texans and Lady Texans will be back in action this weekend, as they are set to host the Levelland Invitational beginning on Friday, February 19 in Levelland.