Big Ten Release

ROSEMONT, Ill. - Fighting Illini women's track & field pole vaulter Stephanie Richartz has been named Big Ten Field Athlete of the Week, it was announced today. This is the second time in her career that Richartz has been honored by the Big Ten during the indoor track and field season.

Richartz won the women's pole vault competition at the Orange and Blue Open on Saturday, Feb. 21, clearing 4.38m (14' 4.50"). That performance broke her own school record in the event, which she established earlier this season at the Rod McCravy Memorial Meet on Jan. 23. The new mark puts Richartz at the top of the Big Ten in the event and has her ranked third nationally.

This is the second time this season that the Big Ten has recognized an Illini athlete. Kandie Bloch-Jones was named Field Athlete of the Week after winning the high jump at the EIU Early Bird on Dec. 5.

Richartz and her Illini teammates head to Geneva, Ohio this weekend for the Big Ten Indoor Track & Field Championships. Competition begins Friday, Feb. 27 and continues through Feb. 28.