A week after setting the all-time Div. III 800-meter run record at the GVSU Big Meet, senior Emily Richards (Delaware/Hayes) has been named the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Div. III Women's National Track Athlete of the Week for the second consecutive week for her efforts at the Sliverston Invitational on Friday evening.

Richards was the first collegiate athlete across the finish line in the 1-mile run on Friday evening and finished second overall in the event.

The senior posted the sixth fastest time in Div. III history in the event, finishing in 4:46.11.

Richards now owns the best time in the country in the 800-meter run, the 1-mile run and the 3,000-meter run.

The Polar Bears return to action this weekend as they compete in the Ohio Athletic Conference Championships in Bexley at Capital University.