NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana – On Wednesday, the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced that senior high jumper Justin Gewirtz has been named the Mideast Region Field Athlete of the Year, making him the first athlete in the history of the Albright track and field program to earn the major award.

Gewirtz, who will be recognized at this weekend's NCAA Division III Indoor track and field championship meet in Columbus, Ohio, has had one of the best seasons ever seen at Albright. A multiple record breaker in the indoor high jump event, Justin has leaped his way to a gold medal at the conference Middle Atlantic Conference indoor championship meet and a silver medal at the ECAC indoor championship.

Currently ranked fifth in the nation with his jump of 6-09.00 feet, Gewirtz remains the all-time indoor high jump record holder at both Albright and at the indoor conference championship meet.

Gewirtz is scheduled to compete this Friday at 2:30 p.m. in the finals of the high jump from the campus of Capital University.