Manning Named Big Ten Athlete of the Year; Dennis Coach of the Year – Ohio State Buckeyes
5/18/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
COLUMBUS, Ohio – After winning the first Big Ten indoor title in program history in February, the Ohio State women’s track and field team followed that historic first by winning its first Big Ten outdoor title in program history last weekend. In recognition of their outstanding individual efforts, junior All-American Christina Manning and head coach Karen Dennis were honored Wednesday by the Big Ten conference office for their achievements during the season and over the weekend.
Manning, a Waldorf, Md., native, was named Big Ten Athlete of the Year and Athlete of the Championships after claiming Big Ten titles in the 100m dash, 100m hurdles and the 4x100m relay. The junior captured those same accolades after the Big Ten indoor championships as well. With a facility record being set in each of Manning’s title performances, the All-American truly enjoyed a weekend to remember in Iowa City.
Running anchor for the 4x100m relay team, Manning claimed her first title of the meet with teammates Letecia Wright, Madison McNary and Chesna Sykes. The relay team finished with a time of 43.94, the second-fastest time in school history. In the 100m hurdles, Manning led a 1-2 sweep for the Buckeyes, capturing the gold in a personal-best time of 12.86, the second-best mark in school history and the third best in the nation. Manning then led Ohio State’s unprecedented 1-2-3 finish in the 100m dash, crossing the line in 11.29, the second-fastest time in Ohio State history, 21st-best in the nation and a new personal record.
Meanwhile, head coach Karen Dennis was selected as Coach of the Year by her peers after bringing her team to the head of the Big Ten in the outdoor season for the first time, a feat she also performed during the indoor season when she collected the same honor. In her fifth season as head coach at Ohio State, Dennis helped the Buckeyes to six individual titles and 100 total points on the final day of competition to complete the season sweep of the conference championships.
Five other Buckeyes joined Manning as First Team all-Big Ten selections:
- Shaniqua McGinnis (400m champion, 4x400m relay)
- Kelcey McKinney (triple jump champion)
- Madison McNary (200m champion, 4x100m relay champion)
- Chesna Sykes (4x100m relay champion)
- Letecia Wright (4x100m relay champion)
Junior All-American Maggie Mullen was named a Second Team all-Big Ten performer after her runner-up finish in the javelin. In addition, Wright was recognized as the Ohio State recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award, presented to individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
Ohio State will be back in action next weekend at the NCAA regionals in Bloomington, Ind.
