May 14, 2008

McNeese State honored its track and field team Wednesday night and two freshmen - Jordan Neil and Christi McRae - walked off with the top awards.

The two were named athletes of the year in their respective divisions. They will officially receive their awards during pre-game ceremonies at a McNeese football game in the fall.

The Carroll Harless memorial award is presented to the men's MVP and the McNeese Alumni Association award goes to the women's MVP.

Neil, a native of Ireland, was the team's top distance runner during the season and wound up his first year of competition by placing third in the 1500 meter run at the Southland Conference championship meet.

McRae, a rookie from New Orleans, ran faster than any Cowgirl sprinter in recent years and finished fourth in the 400 meter dash at conference.

McRae was also named the Cowgirl newcomer of the year as well as the track MVP.

In men's track, John Jamail was named the field event MVP, Stephen Scullion the track MVP, Ben Chretien the freshman of the year and Michael Dyer the newcomer of the year.

Christi McRae - Cowgirl track and field MVP

Other award winners in women's track were DeAnn Washington as field event MVP and Amy Guinn as freshman of the year.

Mark Hoey, also a native of Ireland, was named the men's cross country MVP and freshman of the year. Guinn was the Cowgirl freshman of the year and MVP in cross country and Tinette Burger was named newcomer of the year.