BILLINGS, Mont. – Sophomore Nikki Aiken was named the GNAC Women's Track Athlete of the Week on Monday after setting a new personal personal-best in the 3,000-meters at the South Dakota State Division II Invitational last week. The time of 11:04.99 placed her sixth in a field of 27 runners.
 
"I am really happy for Nikki," head coach Jonathan Woehl said of the achievement. "She has had a strong start to the season and I think she is just going to keep improving. It took her about half of the race to find her pace on Friday but then she steadily moved through the field and finished strong. I hope this will be the first of many honors she earns during her time at MSUB."  
 
Aiken has the top times in both the 3,000-meter and the 5K this season for the 'Jackets and has set new personal records in her first attempt at each event this season. She has also ran the 800-meter this season and the final 1,600-meter leg of the distance medley relay.
 
This is Aiken's first athlete of the week honor and the third for MSUB track this year. Teammates Sam Zook and Michaela Johnson swept the track awards Nov. 26-Dec. 3.
 
The Yellowjackets will continue the indoor season this Friday in Boulder, Colo. at the Colorado School of Mines Division II Invite and Multi Event.