Colwick named C-USA Athlete of the Year
Second Owl in the past three years to take top honor

BY JAY JAMESON
Special to the Rice News

Rice pole vaulter Jason Colwick earned the 2008-09
Conference USA Male Athlete of the Year, the conference announced last week.
The lone vaulter to surpass the 18-foot mark at nationals, Colwick is the only
C-USA athlete to ever clear that height indoors and outdoors.

	Rice pole vaulter Jason Colwick has earned the 2008-09 Conference USA Male Athlete of the Year.

“I am a firm believer that anyone can achieve what they
want, athletically or not, if they believe and work hard,” Colwick said.
“To win this award is awesome.”

Colwick, a junior, became the first C-USA track and field
athlete to win national titles in pole vault at the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor
Championships. The two-time All-American had the No. 1 height in the NCAA for
2009 of 18 feet, 9.25 inches (5.72m).

“It is very impressive for Jason to receive this award,
especially with the strength of this conference,” said Jon Warren, Rice’s
head men’s track and field coach. “Just look at the athletes at Rice —
Jarett Dillard, James Casey and Chase Clement in football and Anthony Rendon in
baseball — and what they accomplished.”

Colwick became the second Owl in the past three years to win
Athlete of the Year honors, joining former baseball standout Joe Savery.

The San Marcos, Texas, native recently placed sixth at the
USA National Outdoor Track and Field Championships when he cleared 18-6.5
(5.65m). The junior captured his first NCAA crown by clearing 18-04.5 (5.60m),
then followed up with a gold medal performance of 18-8.25 (5.70m) at the
outdoor championship.

Colwick will spend part of the summer competing
internationally in Europe.

— Jay Jameson is an assistant sports information
director for Rice Athletics.