May 4, 2007

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Junior distance runner Brandon Karcher and freshman thrower Brandon Colbert of Southeast Missouri State University have earned top awards from the Ohio Valley Conference.

Karcher was named co-winner of the OVC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year award while Colbert was named the OVC Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year.

Originally from Mt. Vernon, Ill., Karcher will be looking for his first 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter titles at the OVC championships on Friday and Saturday at Eastern Illinois University. Karcher currently holds the leagues top times in the 5,000 (14:47.39) and the 10,000 (30:14.75). He will run the 10k on Friday and 5k on Saturday.

Brandon Colbert captured OVC Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year honors in his first season at Southeast

Colbert has already qualified for the NCAA Regional in the shot put (55-2) and discus (172-7). Along with occupying the top spots in both those events, the Troy, Mo., native also ranks among league leaders in the javelin with a toss of 157-10. Colbert will throw the shot on Friday with the discus and javelin on Saturday.

The 2007 O'Reilly OVC Outdoor Track & Field Championships will be held Friday and Saturday at O'Brien Stadium at Eastern Illinois University.