June 3, 2005

WACO, Texas - Baylor senior Darold Williamson (San Antonio, Texas) was named Mondo Midwest Region Athlete of the Year Friday, the United States Track Coaches Association announced Friday.

Williamson clocked the fastest collegiate time in the country so far this season with his time of 44.76 second to claim the 400-meter title at the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships. He also anchored the 4x400-meter relay to a season-best time of 3:02.58, setting a new meet record and capturing their third straight regional championship in the event.

At the Big 12 Outdoor Championships, Williamson became the first sprinter to complete the career sweep in the 400 meters, claiming his fourth straight title in the event, with a time of 45.33. The men's 4x400-meter relay also claimed the outdoor crown with a time of 3:04.12 with Williamson on the anchor.

Williamson captured a gold medal at the Olympic games in Athens, Greece, last year as the anchor of the United States' 4x400-meter relay.

Baylor has now captured the Mondo Midwest Region Track & Field Athlete of the Year award for the second straight year, with Olympic gold medalist Jeremy Wariner winning last year and going on to be named Mondo National Athlete of the Year.

The Athlete and Coach of the Year awards are sponsored by Mondo, USA, the world's largest supplier of track & field surfaces. Mondo is the official provider of all tracks and equipment for the Track and Field Competitions for the Athens Olympic Games.