May 22, 2003

PLANO, Texas - Stephen F. Austin head track and field coach Phil Olson was named Southland Conference Women's Outdoor Coach of the Year announced league officials Thursday, while junior Blake Gordon was named SLC Female Track and Field Student-Athlete of the Year.

Olson, in only his third season, led the Ladyjacks to their first Southland Conference title in school history Monday at the SLC Outdoor Championships. The Ladyjacks scored 157.5 points to win the crown. The Ladyjacks won six individual titles at the meet and garnered 14 All-Southland Conference honors.

The SLC Student-Athlete of the Year award is given to the athlete's that have achieved superior accomplishments on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Gordon was a three-time All-SLC honoree in 2003 winning the conference outdoor title in the shot put and the discus. Gordon shattered the school-record in the discus. Gordon is also an Academic All-SLC selection and is a three-time President's List and Dean's List honoree.

SFA returns to action Friday May 30 at the NCAA Regional Championships in Lincoln, Neb.

-SFA-