Student-Athlete of the Week presented by GEICO May 18, 2009

Freshman track and field student-athlete Octavia Rinehardt has been named the American University Student-Athlete of the Week presented by GEICO, Department of Athletics officials announced Monday. Rinehardt set a new personal record over the weekend at the ECAC Championships in the 5000 meter run.

Rinehardt's 17:13.58 time at the ECACs was more than three seconds faster than her Patriot League Championship time of 17:17.11 from a few weeks ago. Additionally, Rinehardt's mark this weekend, which placed her 11th in the race, is the fourth fastest 5000 meter time in American track and field history.

This is the third time this season that Rinehardt has received the AU Student-Athlete of the Week, presented by GEICO. Most recently, she was honored on May 4, 2009, after capturing the 5000 meter title in the Patriot League Championships.