FRISCO — Sophomore Keith Benford, who opened the outdoor campaign with school record in the high jump at last weekend's Victor Lopez Classic, was named Southland Conference Athlete of the Week, as announced by the league office on Wednesday.
Benford easily won his specialty event with a leap of 7-1 ¾ (2.18m) and that broke the previous standard of 7-0 ½ (2.15m) he shared with P.J.McGowen (2008), Steve Ortiz (2002) and Justin Youngblood (2002). The Pflugerville native defeated runner-up Roger De La Cruz (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) by five inches for the second outdoor title of his young career and his mark currently ranks sixth in the country.
The weekly honor is the third of his career but first outdoors. He previously was honored on on Jan. 26, 2011, and Jan. 20, 2010, for his accomplishments during the indoor campaign.
UTSA swept the conference's two awards this week, as sophomore Katie Bragg was recognized on the women's side.
The Roadrunners return to action on Friday when they compete at the Trinity Alumni Classic.
