Feb. 14, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- Samford University senior pole vaulter Mark Holmes and junior high jumper Laura Malnati were named Ohio Valley Conference Male and Female Field Athletes of the Week, respectively, following their performances over the weekend at the Clemson Tiger Classic.

Holmes was named Male Field Athlete of the Week following his school record performance of 15'07.00'' in the pole vault to finish fourth overall and second among collegiate athletes at the Clemson Tiger Classic. Holmes broke his own school record of 15'01.00'', set in 2005. The Niceville, Fla., native now ranks second on the 2006 OVC best list following his performance in Clemson.

Malnati won the high jump with a leap of 5'06.00'' at the Clemson Tiger Classic and tied her own school record, set in 2005. The Danbridge, Tenn., native is now tied for first on the OVC best list for 2006

"Both Mark and Laura have worked really hard, and they are certainly deserving of this award," said Samford head coach Glenn McWaters. "They are not only outstanding athletes, they are outstanding people and I'm very proud of them."

Holmes and Malnati return to action, along with the rest of the Samford track and field team, on Feb. 24-25 when they head to Nashville for the OVC Championships.