U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association National Athlete of the Week Award - Week #1

New Orleans, LA -- It was an unforgettable collegiate debut for Academy of Art University freshman Johnny Carter this past Friday at the UAB Blazer Invitational. Powered by a historic triple jump that automatically qualified him for the NCAA Division II National Championships, Carter was named U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) National Athlete of the Week on Monday.

A Bakersfield, CA native who red-shirted for ART U in 2011-12, Carter made the most of his official debut by setting DII-leading marks in both the triple jump and the long jump, and reaching the DII auto-qualifying mark in the triple jump. His mark of 50-9¼ (15.47m) stands as a new school record and the fifth-best mark in the nation this season, regardless of division. His 24-7 (7.49m) in the long jump is the second-best in school history and the eighth-best among all collegians this season.

“It was a great feeling being where I belong.. on the track!” Carter said. “Even though I wasn't one hundred percent, I refused to leave the pit without making a statement that I am here and ready!”

This is the first national weekly award of any kind for an Academy of Art University Urban Knight.