BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Sam Prakel was named the 2016 recipient of the NCAA Elite 90 Award for men’s indoor track and field, Thursday. Prakel, a junior academically, has a 3.97 GPA while pursuing a major in biochemistry.
Prakel will compete in the mile on Friday at the NCAA Indoor Championships, where he has the sixth-fastest time in the field. Prakel ran a personal best of 3:57.95 this season at the Husky Classic, the eighth fastest time in school history.
The Elite 90, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers.