FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Sophomore sprinter Xavier Carter was named the NCAA Division I Men’s Track Athlete of the Year for the South Central Region it was announced Thursday evening by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross County Coaches Association.
Carter, a native of Palm Bay, Fla., heads into this weekend’s NCAA Indoor Championships as the nation’s top-ranked competitor in both the 200 and 400 meters.
The three-time All-American is undefeated in the 400 meters this season, having won five straight races, including the Southeastern Conference title. He owns the NCAA’s top time in the event and the third-best time in the world having clocked a personal-best 45.89 seconds.
Carter has also recorded the nation’s third fastest time in the 200 meters (20.74) this year despite having run in just one competitive race to date.
In addition, Carter anchors the Tigers’ 4×400-meter relay team that is ranked No. 1 in the country and leads the NCAA with a top time of 3:05.28.
Carter and the rest of the LSU track and field team close out the indoor season this Friday and Saturday at the NCAA Indoor Championships in Fayetteville, Ark.