Reedy Earns Big 12 Weekly Honor

NORMAN - Oklahoma track and field thrower Julia Reedy opened the season with victory and a program record. Four days later she added Big 12 Track and Field Female Co-Athlete of the Week honors after producing the top mark in the nation in the hammer throw.

Reedy's 219-2.00 came during the Sooners' 2016 outdoor debut at the Baldy Castillo Invitational in Tempe, Ariz., on March 18. Along with the meet title, Reedy beat her previous program record of 211-4.00, a mark she achieved last season at the NCAA Championships to place fifth and become a first-team All-American.

"That's a very deserving honor," said head coach Jim VanHootegem. "Julia had a great finish to her season last year. For her to come right back and pick up where she left off, and even improve, is tremendous for her. She's one of our leaders and obviously we're very thrilled for her."

The senior team captain is the eighth recipient for the Sooner women since the award was established in 2002 and joins an elite squad of throwers to pick up the honor for OU.

Teammate and javelin thrower Liz Herrs earned the weekly award on March 26, 2014, the most recent recipient for the women's team prior to Reedy. Other Sooners to earn the conference's award were Tia Brooks (May 2, 2012, and April 4, 2013), four-time winner Brittany Borman (April 13 and 27, 2010, May 11, 2010 and April 11, 2013), Karen Shump (April 6, 2010) and Amy Backel (March 23, 2010).

Former Sooner sprinter Leslie Cole (April 14, 2009 and April 29, 2008) and pole vaulter Leslie Dunlap (March 18, 2002) were also recipients.