COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – For the second time in the last month, Fresno State thrower Cierra Jackson has been honor by the Mountain West. Not only was Jackson named Women's Freshman of the Week for the second time, she was also selected Women's Field Athlete of the Week.
Behind a conference leading discus throw of 58.57m/192-2 at the Fresno State Invitational, Jackson became the first women's or men's athlete to earn both an Athlete of the Week and the Freshman of the Week awards in the same week. The throw moved the redshirt freshman from No. 55 to No. 4 in the NCAA rankings.
Jackson's throw came on her final attempt of the event to jump from fifth to first in the competition and pick up the win while surpassing a pair of Colorado State and Washington athletes en route to the win. It was more than 6 meters/20 feet farther than the personal best she entered the meet with.
While the throw ranks among the best in the country this season, it sits third all-time at Fresno State and sixth in Mountain West history.
With two this week, Fresno State has earned five MW weekly awards this season, its most since joining the conference. Jackson has accounted for three of them.