April 27, 2009

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Sophomore Matthew Gibney was named the College Men's Relays Athlete of the Meet at the Penn Relays, it was announced at the conclusion of the race on Saturday.

Gibney anchored Villanova's winning DMR Championship of America squad. His come-from-behind 1,600m split was 3:58.4 and propelled him ahead of Arkansas' Dorian Ulrey to help the Wildcats capture the title by two seconds.

"I am very pleased and honored to have gotten this award," Gibney said. "The female winner of the award, Sarah Bowman from Tennessee, helped her squad to three titles and set records, so it is really humbling to win the same award. Everyone on our squad ran well, but I got the glory running at the end. It really was a team effort."

The Wildcats won their 23rd distance medley relay championship, but the first since 2001. This was the 90th total Penn Relays championship in Villanova history.

"Winning was awesome," Gibney said. "The crowd on Friday was so loud and I could hear the `Nova chants. I am so glad that I was able to come through."

Gibney and the Wildcats are back on the track this weekend as they host the BIG EAST Outdoor Championships beginning Friday, May 1.