ONU senior Emily Richards of Delaware, Ohio,  has been named the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Women's Outdoor National Track Athlete of the Week for the week of Apr. 3.

Richards earned the honor for the fourth time this season, and the first time during the outdoor season.

The senior finished third overall in the 1,500-meter run at the Raleigh Relays in the Division I-dominated field of runners, finishing in 4:15.77.

Her time broke her own school record in the event by more than five seconds and was good for the third fastest time in Division III history in the event.

Richards then competed in the 800-meter run invitational at the Raleigh Relays and finished third overall and was the top collegiate athlete to cross the finish line, finishing third in 2:03.63.

The senior currently owns the fastest collegiate time in the country across all divisions in the 800-meter run.

The Polar Bears return to action this weekend as they travel to Upland, Ind. to compete in the George Glass Invitational.