Former Adairsville High superstar Shamira Barrett wasted little time establishing herself, becoming the first Gamecock rookie to earn the OVC's top female freshman award in indoor track and field with her marvelous performances in the 400- and 200-meter events.
Weeks prior to the announcement of the award, Barrett won the 200 two months ago at the University of Indiana's Gladstein Invitational, where she ran a 25.18. She added another first-place finish at that meet in the 400, with a time of 57.92, and was bestowed the conference's weekly individual honor for that performance.
"Obviously we are delighted for Shamira and to have her represent our program with this award," Jacksonville State head coach Steve Ray said. "She has had a very solid indoor campaign, but frankly coach [Asha] Gibson and I both believe that Shamira will make an even bigger impact in the outdoor season and in the years to come."
Barrett also is a member of the Gamecocks' 1,600-meter relay team that established a new school record at the Gladstein invite with a time of 3:47.70, giving it second place at the Jan. 22 event. The previous Jacksonville State record had been 3:53.47, set in 2008.
-- Information from the Jacksonville State University athletics website was used in this article.