Mattox is Chosen as NWC Women's Track Student-Athlete of the Week

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University runner Kimber Mattox (Jr., Bend, OR/Bend HS/Cornell Univ.) has been chosen Northwest Conference Women's Track Student-Athlete of the Week for her efforts at the Willamette Invitational on Friday, April 1.

Mattox achieved an NCAA Division III provisional qualifying time while placing second in the "A" section of the 5,000-meter run during the 4th Annual Charles Bowles Celebration of Distance on the first evening of the meet. Mattox completed the race in 17:10.28, which was roughly 25 seconds under the NCAA provisional standard of 17:35.00. The time also was a personal record for Mattox, breaking her previous top time of 17:12.63.

It is the second time this season that Mattox has been named NWC Women's Track Student-Athlete of the Week. She also received the honor on March 8 after recording an NCAA provisional qualifying time of 10:47.17 in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Willamette Opener (March 5).

Mattox currently ranks #1 in NCAA Division III with her time for the 5,000. She is listed at #2 in the nation in the steeplechase.

A provisional qualifying time does not guarantee that an athlete will compete at the NCAA Championships. It does, however, place the athlete on a list of eligible top times which the NCAA uses to determine additional competitors who will join automatic qualifiers in the event.

Mattox has competed at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships each of the past two seasons. She earned All-America honors after placing sixth in the steeplechase in 2009. She took ninth place in the nation in the steeplechase in 2010.

In addition, Mattox earned All-America recognition in cross county by placing 35th at the 2010 NCAA Cross Country Championships.