Celebrating Excellence: Naukot and Tait Crowned Student-Athletes of the Week
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In a spectacular showcase of athletic prowess, freshman Joy Naukot and graduate student Sarah Tait have been honored as the WVU Student-Athletes of the Week, thanks to their stunning performances at the Big 12 Championships.
Naukot’s Historic Victory
Joy Naukot etched her name into the history books, becoming only the **second Mountaineer** ever to win the women’s 10,000 meters at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships. Her impressive time of **33:30.84** not only clinched the title but also marked a significant milestone—joining the ranks of alumnae Kaitlyn Gillespie, who set the bar in 2015 at **33:45.56**.
Tait Breaks Records in Steeplechase
Equally impressive, Sarah Tait shattered a long-standing record in the **3,000-meter steeplechase**, finishing with a remarkable time of **9:44.72**. This record had persisted since 2010, previously held by Colorado’s Emma Coburn. Tait’s extraordinary performance cements her status as a powerhouse in collegiate track and field.
As Naukot and Tait celebrate their victories, the Mountaineers are already setting their sights on the upcoming NCAA East Preliminary Rounds, scheduled from **May 28-31** at Visit Jax Track at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The anticipation is palpable as fans and athletes alike await the seeding results.
This Week in Baseball: Mountaineers Aim for Big 12 Championship
The excitement continues as the Mountaineers head to the **Big 12 Tournament** in Arlington, Texas. Seated as the **No. 1 seed**, they will commence play on **Thursday, May 22**, against the winner of the matchup between **No. 8 Cincinnati** and **No. 9 Texas Tech**. The first pitch from Globe Life Field is slated for **1:30 p.m. ET**.
A Recap of Last Week in Baseball
In a challenging week, the Mountaineers clinched the Big 12 regular season championship but faced tough competition, falling in all three games against Kansas. Highlights include a stellar performance by redshirt senior Griffin Kirn, who threw eight strong innings and struck out **10 batters** despite a **3-0** loss. Senior Kyle West continued to shine, racking up **four hits** including his ninth home run of the season.
Key Notes from the Season
This year marks **West Virginia’s second Big 12 title in three seasons** and the first outright championship, adding to their impressive legacy. WVU also celebrated **Senior Day**, honoring notable players including Tyler Hutson and Griffin Kirn.
This Week in Track and Field: Mountaineers Shine
At the Big 12 Outdoor Championships held on **May 15-17** in Lawrence, Kansas, the Mountaineers wrapped up their season with an impressive finish, ranking **13th out of 16 teams**. Notably, they returned home with two exceptional Big 12 Champions: Naukot in the **10,000 meters** and Tait in the **3,000-meter steeplechase**.
A Look at National Rankings
Naukot currently sits at **No. 8 nationally** in the 10,000 meters, while also holding the **No. 1 spot in the Big 12** and the **No. 2 ranking in the Mid-Atlantic Region**. Tait, similarly, ranks **No. 7 nationally** in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and continues to impress across distances.
Final Thoughts on the Week Ahead
With such exhilarating performances across the board, the WVU athletics community has much to look forward to. As the Mountaineers gear up for the NCAA East Preliminary Rounds and the Big 12 Tournament, the stakes have never been higher. Whether on the track or the diamond, these student-athletes are proving that the spirit of determination and excellence is alive and well in Mountaineer Country.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow these talented athletes on their journeys!
