Oregon track and field star Jenna Prandini was named one of three finalist for The Bowerman Trophy, college track and field’s top individual honor, on Thursday.
Prandini’s 49 points at the 2015 national championships propelled the Oregon women to their first NCAA title since 1985. She competed in three events at each of the indoor and outdoor championships and won both the long jump (21 feet, 10 inches) and 100 (10.96 seconds).
If Prandini’s name is called during the Dec. 17 announcement in San Antonio, Oregon will become the first school to defend the award since its 2009 introduction by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Laura Roesler won the Bowerman Trophy in 2014.
The other finalists for the honor are pole vaulter Demi Payne of Stephen F. Austin and hurdler Kendra Harrison of Kentucky.
Oregon distance runner Edward Cheserek, who won national titles in the 5,000 and 10,000, was announced as a men’s finalist for the Bowerman Trophy Wednesday — his second nomination.
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