By: by Emily Diekelmann
MACON, Ga.- As if breaking school records weren’t enough, men’s track and field athletes Anjoun Armaly and Jaakko Nieminen can now add Atlantic Sun Conference Athlete of the Week to their names, the conference announced Wednesday.
Fresh off their record breaking performance at the Clemson Invitational, the duo won their first conference awards in track and field. Armaly broke the previous triple jump record by two tenths of a meter, coming in at a top distance of 14.29 meters (46’10.75”) which was good enough for a sixth place finish.
On the track, Nieminen was able to break former teammate Scott Burley’s five-year-old record in the 3,000 meters. Nieminen’s first place finish Saturday broke the previous record by 11 seconds, crossing the finish line in 8:31.51. For head track and field coach Andy Eggerth, the accolades for Nieminen and Armaly are just the beginning.
“This is a great beginning for both of these guys to start the season,” Eggerth said. “Jaakko broke the school record by 11 seconds which is a huge improvement. Since it’s his first meet of the season, it’s great that he can just come out and perform so well. Anjoun did break the school record but we know he can do better. It was his first indoor meet ever so the entire coaching staff is excited to how he develops as the season goes on.”
The duo will get a chance to defend their conference awards Jan 28-29 at the Clemson Games in Clemson, S.C.
