FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

Apr. 13, 2010-- For the second consecutive week the North Central College men's track & field squad has swept the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Athlete of the Week awards with Dan Benton earning the accolade for his efforts on the track while Jake Winder claims the award for his exploits in the field events at Saturday's Chicagoland Championships.

Benton claims Track Athlete of the Week accolades after racing to the victory in the 400-meter dash, clocking a provisional qualifying time of 48.41. His time is currently the fourth best mark in Division III this season. This is the second time Benton has been honored by the CCIW, earning Athlete of the Week recognition during the indoor season on Jan. 26.

Winder earns his second consecutive Field Athlete of the Week honored after smashing the school record in the outdoor pole vault by over one foot after clearing an automatic qualifying height of 18 feet 1/2 inch at Saturday's meet. His vault currently leads the nation by over 16 inches and is the second best vault in the history of Division III outdoor track & field. The senior is currently undefeated against collegiate competition and has now claimed four CCIW Athlete of the week honors, winning twice indoors (Jan. 26 and Feb. 23) and twice outdoors (Apr. 6 and Apr. 13).

The Cardinals won five events at the Chicagoland Outdoor Championships on Saturday, winning the team title in the process. North Central racked up 168 points in the team tally while host University of Chicago was second with 123.5 points.

North Central returns to action on Saturday, April 17 at the Wheaton Twilight Invitational.