University of Alaska Fairbanks runner Naomi Bailey was named Alaska Athlete of the Week after winning the NCAA Division II Pre-Nationals in University Place, Washington.
The UAF sophomore bested a women’s field of 224 runners after posting a sizzling 6-K time of 20 minutes, 46.1 seconds – nine seconds ahead of runner-up Katie Doucette of Western Colorado.
The West Valley graduate obliterated her previous PR by 58.9 seconds set at last year’s West Regional meet. This was her fifth top-3 finish in nine career races and her first victory since winning last year’s Seawolf Throwdown at Kincaid Park.
Naomi Bailey
Bailey won Gatorade Alaska Runner of the Year honors twice while at West Valley High School.
The Alaska Athlete of the Week is selected by a panel each Monday.
Have a candidate in mind? Email us your nomination: info@alaskasportshall.org.
Also receiving votes: Cole Hamilton, Bryant Marks, Eve Stephens, JT Thor, Jayce Underwood.