Thacker wins prestigious national honor
Milligan University senior Tim Thacker has been named the NAIA South Region Male Track Athlete of the Year for the second year in a row. This year’s announcement was made by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) and provides a nice spotlight for the Buffs as they head to the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships this week.
MILLIGAN, Tenn. (March 3, 2021) – Milligan University senior Tim Thacker has been named the NAIA South Region Male Track Athlete of the Year for the second year in a row. This year's announcement was made by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) and provides a nice spotlight for the Buffs as they head to the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships this week.
Thacker's senior season has been highlighted with four Appalachian Athletic Conference athlete of the week awards, the nation's No. 1 time in the 1k (2:25.57), No. 2 time in the mile (4:09.75), and top 15 rankings in three other events. Additionally, Thacker set three AAC championship records this season.
Thacker had an equally impressive season last year ranking No. 1 in the 800, No. 4 in the 1k and No. 2 in the mile. He spent one week as the No. 1-ranked miler, faster than everyone else in the NAIA by over three seconds.
Milligan's last appearance was at the AAC Indoor Track & Field Championships. Thacker, alongside Avery DeWolf, scored 80 points which played a huge role in their runner-up finish. Thacker won four events at the meet, posting times of 1:54.53 in the 800 and 4:19.30 in the mile.
Thacker and the Buffaloes are looking to ride on this momentum as they compete in the NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships. The event is being held in Yankton, South Dakota, March 3-6.