Jan. 12, 2016

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina student-athlete Josh Awotunde earned SEC Field Athlete of the Week honors Tuesday afternoon. It is the second conference honor of his career, he previously won Freshman of the Week honors in the outdoor season last year.

The sophomore thrower set a new personal best in the shot put en route to a commanding win Saturday at the USC Open #1, throwing 18.66 meters (61-2 ¾). The mark moved him all the way up to fourth in the program record book and was the best throw by any Gamecock in the event since Jason Cook in 2009. He won by almost nine full feet more than second place, and he currently stands fifth in the country for the shot put.

Next up for the Awotunde and the Gamecocks will be the Texas A&M Invitational. Hosted by the Aggies, the meet features top programs like Oklahoma, Texas, TCU and Baylor in a scored team meet. Competition in College Station begins Saturday, Jan 16.