Alex Jackson of the Virginia men’s track and field team was named Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men’s Field Athlete and Freshman of the Week, according to a May 5 announcement from the conference. The recognition follows Jackson’s performance at the Larry Ellis Invitational, where he set new personal bests in both shot put and discus throw.
Jackson, a freshman from Peabody, Massachusetts, threw 17.41 meters (57-1.5) in shot put to finish fourth at the meet. This result places him ninth all-time and fifth among freshmen in program history for Virginia. In addition, his mark is ranked ninth overall and third among freshmen in the ACC this season. Jackson also achieved a personal best in discus with a throw of 46.97 meters (154-1), finishing within the top ten competitors.
Jackson becomes the seventh Cavalier this season to receive ACC weekly honors, joining Will Daley, Kendric Curry, Gary Martin, Jeremiah Nubbe, Charlotta Sandkulla, and Liam Paneque on that list.
The Cavaliers have seen several athletes recognized throughout this outdoor season with ACC weekly awards across multiple events for both men’s and women’s teams.
Looking ahead, Virginia is scheduled to conclude its regular season at the Liberty Twilight Qualifier in Lynchburg on Wednesday.
