Crenshaw tabbed as CUSA Field Athlete and Freshman of the Week

DALLAS – WKU Track and Field’s Sam Crenshaw has been named the Conference USA Male Field Athlete and Male Freshman of the Week, the league office announced Tuesday. The freshman pole vaulter was given the honors after his performance at the Bellarmine Open on Jan. 17.

On the accomplishment pole vault coach Lauren Zaglifa said “I’ve known Sam for a long time, and knew coming in he was going to be something special. He is the type of athlete that makes coaching the best profession with his positive attitude and knowledge of the sport. He’s far from done though, and the bar can only go up from here. We have a very exciting season ahead of us.”

In the single day meet in Louisville last weekend, Crenshaw took first place in the pole vault, clearing 5.10 meters (16-08 ¾). That mark currently stands as the 60th best mark in all of NCAA DI. That also puts Crenshaw as having the ninth best jump in the country for a freshman this season.

Crenshaw was one of eight different first place finishers for the Hilltoppers at the Bellarmine Open this past Friday. This is the first Player of the Week honor for WKU this season. Crenshaw is the first to earn the honor of Male Freshman of the Week since Kameron Horton was named to it last season on April 9, 2024. He is also the first Male Field Athlete of the Week since Kaison Barton on Feb. 10, 2021.

A native of Bangor, Wisconsin, Crenshaw came to The Hill following a successful high school career in which he won two WIAA State Championships in the pole vault and is the state record holder for the event.

2025 CUSA Male Field Athlete of The Week
J7 Jason Smallwood, MTSU
J14 Todd Benhase, Liberty
J21 Sam Crenshaw, WKU

2025 CUSA Male Freshman of The Week
J7 Jason Smallwood, MTSU
J14 Elijah Sherard, Liberty
J21 Sam Crenshaw, WKU