FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

CCIW Release

Feb. 22, 2011-- The North Central College women's track & field squad earned a clean sweep of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Athlete of the Week awards on Tuesday with Sheila Walsh earning the track honor and Chelsea Armstrong earning the field honor.

Walsh claims her second Track Athlete of the Week honor after winning the 400-meter dash in a provisional qualifying time of 56.86 at Friday's Cardinal Classic held at the Al B. Carius Track. Her time established a new school and facility record in the event and is currently the second fastest time in NCAA Division III this season. Walsh closed out the meet by teaming up with Kala Bingham, Lauren Brightmore and Krista Cota to win the 4x400-meter relay in a provisional qualifying time of 3:55.51. Their time is currently the fifth fastest mark in the nation. Walsh was previously named the CCIW Track Athlete of the Week on Jan. 25.

Armstrong earns Field Athlete of the Week accolades after recording a pair of top two finishes in the throwing events. The junior won the weight throw with a heave of 49 feet 5 inches before placing second in the shot put with a toss of 36' 3". Armstrong's toss in the weight throw was a personal best and the second best throw in program history.

Cardinal athletes have now claimed five of the CCIW weekly awards this season. Kayla Murphy was honored as the Field Athlete of the Week on Feb. 15 while Michelle Criscione earned the distinction on Feb. 1.

North Central, ranked No. 9 nationally, easily won the Cardinal Classic after accumulating 181 points in the team standings. Division II Lewis University was second with 118 points.

The Cardinals return to action on Friday, Feb. 25, traveling to Bloomington, Ill. for the CCIW Indoor Championships.