Williamsburg, KY – After strong performances in which they helped their respective team women's wrestler Jesse Kirby and racewalker Carson Johnson have been selected as the Pepsi Athletes of the Week, announced by the athletic department Monday.

Kirby was named the female athlete of the week after going 7-0 with five falls at the Patriot Duals.  Kirby notched 35 points for the Patriots (Red Team) as she added two wins by forfeit in addition to the falls, which she accomplished in 5:36 total time ranking her third for most pins least time in the entire field of wrestlers.  The Culpeper, VA native  opened the tournament with a fall in 56 seconds over third-ranked Cristina Santoyo to help UC knockoff fifth-ranked Emmanuel.  Kirby added two more falls on the day and two forfeit wins to improve to 5-0 on day one of competition.  The two falls came at the 43 seconds mark against Destiny Baltiera of Limestone, while she needed 1:17 to notch a fall against Holly Espinoza of Tiffin.  On day two, Kirby continued her success added two more falls, including earning the fall against Limestone's Journey Bass to clinch the match for Cumberlands.

Johnson earned the male athlete of the week honors after opening the indoor season in record breaking fashion.  Johnson, who competed at the Rams Winter Challenge, took first place crossing the line in 13:25.57.  That time was a 22 second personal-best for the sophomore but it also broke the school record of 13:47.61.  In addition to that, Johnson's time clipped the NAIA "A" standard of 14:18.00 and is the fastest time in the country by 44 seconds.  The multiple time All-American secured his spot at the Indoor Championship, where he'll look to capture another All-American accolade.
 
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