Shelley Spires Named Air Force Athlete of the Week
5/4/2015 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
USAF ACADEMY, Colo. - After matching the Academy's high jump record at the Rocky Chalk Classic last weekend, freshman Shelley Spires was named the Air Force co-Athlete of the Week on Monday, May 4. It is the first weekly award for Spires, who shared the department honor with baseball's Ben Yokley.
Spires, who had been out of commission since early January with a foot injury, returned to the Falcons' lineup at Rock Chalk Classic on May 2 and promptly equaled Rachel Herald's Academy-record of 5'9¼". Adding a half-inch to her own Freshman Class Record from December, Spires picked up the best placement of the day for the women's team, finishing third behind a pair of senior jumpers that are ranked in the nation's top 11.
Spires cleared the initial three heights on her first attempt, while clearing 5'7¼" and 5'9¼" on her second.
The Falcons, who have claimed four of last five department awards, close out the regular season this Friday (May 8), when they host the Air Force Twilight Open at the Academy's Cadet Field House Outdoor Track Complex. Action is slated to begin at 1:30 p.m.
