Victor Banjo Earns National Recognition As Tigers Move Up Poll
After record-setting weekend, Banjo named honorable mention national athlete of the week as Tigers move into national top 25.
Springfield, Ohio – After the Wittenberg University men’s indoor track and field team broke four school records at the All-Ohio Championships at Otterbein on Saturday, Feb. 15, the Tigers have earned notice on a national scale.
First, senior Victor Banjo (Sugarland, Texas/Stephen F. Austin) was recognized by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for his phenomenal performance in the 60-meter dash and 200-meter dash at the All-Ohio meet. He was one of two student-athletes to earn honorable mention USTFCCCA Athlete of the Week honors for NCAA Division III, as the honor went to John Crain of North Central, who posted the nation’s best time in the 3,000-meter run.
Banjo’s times in both the 60-meter dash and the 200-meter dash broke the Wittenberg school record, the All-Ohio meet record, and the Otterbein facility record. A 2012 All-American in the 60-meter dash, Banjo posted a personal-best time of 6.85 seconds to win the race at the All-Ohio Championships. His time is currently ranked No. 4 nationally in the event.
In the 200-meter dash, Banjo stands No. 3 in all NCAA Division III after winning the race at the All-Ohio Championships in a time of 22.15. The converted time is 21.76.
Banjo, who on Monday was named North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Sprinter/Hurdler of the Week for a second time in the 2014 season, has plenty of company in the Red & White when it comes to outstanding performances. The team’s depth in the sprints and jumping events has powered the Tigers into the USTFCCCA National Indoor rankings for NCAA Division III for the first time in Head Coach Craig Penney’s eight years at Wittenberg.
Wittenberg stands 23rd in the rankings released earlier today. The Tigers are the highest ranked NCAC team in the poll.
Written By: Ryan Maurer