McBride One of 10 Finalists For Bowerman Trophy
STARKVILLE, Miss. – What has already been a spectacular few months for Brandon McBride got even more special Monday when the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association named him one of 10 semifinalists for the prestigious Bowerman Trophy.
The three finalists for this honor, which is equivalent to the Heisman in football, will be announced July 9, with the winner being named Dec. 17.
“This is awesome,” MSU coach Steve Dudley said. “What he’s accomplished for us has been outstanding and to be a semifinalist is a great achievement.”
The All-American from Windsor, Ontario, is the only sophomore on the list, which also includes three other SEC standouts. He’s also the first MSU athlete to be named a semifinalist.
His rise to greatness began in March when he won the NCAA indoor crown in the 800-meter run. Then after winning the SEC outdoor title in May, he won his second NCCA championship in less than four months with a time of 1:46.26 in Eugene, Ore.
Last year, Indiana’s Derek Drouin won the award, first presented in 2009. Three of the first four winners have gone on to win Olympic medals.
Earlier this year, McBride, who was a perfect 6-0 in the 800m this year, qualified for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which will be held July 23-Aug. 3 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Bowerman Trophy Finalist
Brandon McBride, Mississippi State
Devon Allen, Oregon
Trayvon Bromell, Baylor
Edward Cheserek, Oregon
Ryan Crouser, Texas
Marquis Dendy, Florida
Dedric Dukes, Florida
Lawi Lalang, Arizona
Deon Lendore, Texas A&M
Anthony Rotich, UTEP