XU's Jackson, tops in 2 NAIA events, wins national award

Zahri Jackson

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Zahri Jackson was selected NAIA National Women's Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week, the NAIA announced Wednesday.

Jackson, a sophomore from Kingwood, Texas, and a graduate of Kingwood Park High School, won for March 18-24 after producing NAIA season-best times Saturday in the 800-meter run (2 minutes, 12:01 seconds) and the 1,600-meter relay (3:54.13) at the LSU Relays in Baton Rouge, La.

Both times are the only ones to meet the A-qualifying standard in those events for the NAIA Outdoor Championships at Marion, Ind., in May. They're also the Gold Nuggets' fastest times since Xavier revived its track and field program in 2010. Jackson ran the second leg of the 1,600 relay and teamed with Devinn Rolland, Tramaine Shannon and Chartia Hurt.

This is the first time an athlete in the XU track or cross country program has received the NAIA's weekly award.

The Gold Nuggets and Gold Rush are not competing this week during Xavier's spring break. They'll resume competition April 5 in the Mississippi College Twilight Invitational at Clinton, Miss., and April 13 in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans. Xavier is the host school for the GCAC meet.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Information
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA