Bulldogs Shine at USTFCCCA South Region Awards
ATHENS, Ga. — The pride of Georgia’s track and field community is soaring high as the Bulldogs clinch three prestigious honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). This remarkable achievement highlights not only individual excellence but also exemplary coaching that has propelled the Bulldogs to new heights.
Celebrating Outstanding Achievements
Elena Kulichenko: A Star in the Making
Elena Kulichenko, a native of Odintsovo, Russia, has etched her name in the history books by being named the Women’s Field Athlete of the Year. This accolade marks her second consecutive award of this kind, adding to the nine total honors received by the program throughout its storied history.
Kulichenko’s prowess was evident as she soared to a NCAA high jump title with a stunning clearance of 1.96 meters (6 feet, 5 inches)—her best mark yet! Her perfect execution on opening height clearances mirrored her competitive spirit, as she finished as runner-up at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships with a top height of 1.87m (6-1.50). Demonstrating her dominance during the regular season, she achieved one of the nation’s top heights at 1.89m (6-2.25) at the Tiger Track Classic.
Caryl Smith Gilbert: A Coaching Legacy
Caryl Smith Gilbert has been honored as the Women’s Coach of the Year, a testament to her exceptional leadership and vision. This recognition marks her fourth career honor and the first for the Bulldogs since 2017. Under her stewardship, Georgia not only clinched its third national championship but did so by leaving competitors in the dust, finishing 26 points ahead at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Smith Gilbert’s strategic approach led the Bulldogs to their first SEC outdoor team championship since 2006, accumulating a whopping 103.5 points, with four NCAA individual champions and ten additional scorers marking a remarkable achievement for the team.
Karim Abdel Wahab: Guiding Success from the Sidelines
Karim Abdel Wahab has been rightfully recognized as the Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year, his third award in this category and the first since 2015. As a key figure in the success of the Bulldogs, Abdel Wahab’s athletes accumulated a remarkable 34 of Georgia’s 73 points, underscoring his impact on the team’s first NCAA outdoor crown.
Abdel Wahab played a pivotal role by coaching standout athletes like Aaliyah Butler, the 400-meter dash champion; Dejanea Oakley, the runner-up in the same event; and Michelle Smith, who earned a bronze in the 400-meter hurdles. The culmination of their efforts was on full display as they triumphed in the 4×400 meter relay, showcasing a potent combination of speed and teamwork.
What Lies Ahead for the Bulldogs
As the Bulldogs bask in their well-deserved accolades, the next phase of USTFCCCA voting looms, which will determine the national performers and coaches of the year. With the momentum of recent successes, the radiant future for Georgia’s track and field team looks particularly bright.
These honors remind us that excellence in sports is a holistic endeavor, fueled by the athletes’ determination and the unwavering guidance of dedicated coaches. Keep an eye on the Bulldogs as they march forward into the national spotlight!
For more detailed updates on Georgia’s track and field achievements, visit Georgia Dogs.
