Ukabam, Baker named Regions Bank Scholar-Athletes of the Week
01/24/2006 | 12:00:00 | General
Jan. 24, 2006
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University seniors Amarachi Ukabam and Eli Baker are this week's Regions Bank Scholar-Athletes of the Week.
Ukabam became the second Saluki this season to automatically qualify for the 2006 NCAA Championships at the SIU Booster Club Invitational over the weekend.
The senior from Maryland Heights, Mo., threw 71-02.50 in the weight throw en route to winning a meet title and qualifying for the second-straight season. She also took the women's shot put crown with a provisional qualifying mark of 52-07.25. Both marks are ranked in the top-five among all NCAA Division I throwers this year.
Baker, who hails from nearby Marion, Ill., returned to action after redshirting the 2005 season due to injury. He finished second in both the 800-meter run (1:57.61) and the mile (4:19.52). His mile mark currently ranks fourth in the Valley this season.
Ukabam holds a 3.80 GPA in Health Education, while Baker carries a 3.30 GPA in Education.
Players Mentioned
