University of Massachusets Athletics
Kristen Bakanowski Named UMass/Dinn Bros. Athlete Of The Week
April 14, 2008 | Women's Track & Field
April 14, 2008
AMHERST, Mass. - Red-shirted junior Kristen Bakanowski (Northboro, Mass.) was named the UMass/Dinn Bros. Athlete of the Week after a record breaking performance at the UMass Invitational. On Saturday, Bakanowski had the top performance of the day after placing first in the pole vault competition. With a NCAA qualifying standard height of 12 feet, 7.50 inches, Bakanowski also set a new school record. Bakanowski surpassed the school record of 12 feet, 3.5 inches that Brandy Green set back in 2003. In addition, Bakanowski qualified for the ECAC Championships. Overall, the Minutewomen placed second out of nine teams at the Invitational.
Bakanowski is coming off a strong 2008 indoor season. After taking first place in the pole vault competition at the Atlantic 10 Championships, Bakanowski shattered her previous record of 12 feet, 6 inches at the ECAC Championships with a height of 12 feet, 11.50 inches.
Bakanowski will be honored at the UMass Sports Luncheon on Wednesday. The luncheon will begin at Noon and will be held in the Campus Center in room 1009. Speakers will include winners of the Winter Scholar Athlete Awards.
