CAA honors UNCW’s R.J. Russell for Second Time

WILMINGTON, North Carolina (UNCWSports.com) – Sophomore R.J. Russell of UNCW has been tabbed the Colonial Athletic Association’s Men’s Track & Field Athlete-of-the-Week for the second time this season.

The Richlands, N.C., runner clocked a personal-best 47.32 time in the 400 Meters last weekend at the Duke Invitational. He finished second behind LIU Brooklyn’s Collin Sewell in the race at Morris Williams Stadium in Durham.

Russell continues to own the fastest time in the conference in the event this spring and will seek a gold medal when the team travels to the CAA Track & Field Championships on May 4-5, 2018, in Williamsburg, Va.

“R.J. is very deserving of this honor,” said UNCW Head Coach Layne Schwier. “He’s battled through some injuries that have limited his training. He’s still starting the 400 Meters from a standing start. To run as fast as he has is very impressive considering what he’s been through. He worked so hard and remained very humble. He’s just happy to be out there training and competing with his teammates.”

Russell picked up the first honor of his career back on March 27 following his performance at the Winthrop Invitational.