April 26, 2011

CHICAGO - Senior track & field specialist Andy Wall was named the Horizon League Athlete of the Week for his performance at the Cougar Invitational, the league office announced Tuesday morning.

Wall took home medalist honors in the 110-meter hurdles (15.30 seconds), triple jump (13.72 meters) and high jump (2.03 meters) in leading the Flames to a first-place team finish at the Cougar Invitational in River Forest, Ill.

"Andy is one of the most talented athletes I've ever coached and I'm so happy to see him receive this award," said head coach Jim Knoedel. "He's an exceptionally hard worker and a great leader so it's nice to see him recognized.

"When he came in as a freshman his marks were average and I really didn't have any expectations from him but within the first few weeks I could tell he was going to be a huge asset to our program - he's turned out to be exactly that."

Wall has recorded a combined 11 top-five finishes in the high jump, javelin throw, triple jump and 110-meter hurdles this season. His high jump of 2.03 meters at the Cougar Invite marked a season-best leap. Wall also placed first in the javelin throw the previous weekend at the DePaul Invitational.

Wall and the Flames will have one final tune-up before the Horizon League Outdoor Championships - UIC will head to Indianapolis on Saturday to compete in the Stan Lyons Invitational at Butler.