ROCK HILL, S.C.- Matthew Blackmon was named Men's Track Athlete of the Week for his performance in the VMI Winter Classic.

Blackmon, from Melbourne, Fla., is a sophomore sprinter for the Eagles. He won gold in the men's 60-meter hurdles finals in 8.04 seconds on Saturday, Jan. 28 at the VMI Winter Classic. Blackmon's performance secured him a school record in the event. This is the ninth time Blackmon has recorded a personal best and broken the Carson-Newman school record in the event throughout his time as an Eagle.

"I was really excited to run. I was focused on hitting a personal record and getting the fastest time so I can move up in the rankings in nationals. I'm not satisfied, and I want to keep focusing on improving. I am very happy though," Carson-Newman track and field athlete Matthew Blackmon said.

Blackmon and the rest of the Eagle crew will compete again on Feb. 9 at the JDL Team College Challenge in Winston-Salem, N.C. and Feb. 10 in Virginia Beach, Va. for DII Pre-Nationals after a break in the action this weekend. Make sure to stay up to date on cneagles.com.