Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: Kailey Zagst/Northwestern Athletics
Cary Drake Named Big Ten Freshman Of The Week
5/6/2026 3:00:00 PM | Women's Cross Country & Track
Redshirt first-year climbed to second on conference’s 3,000m steeplechase leaderboard last Friday
EVANSTON, Ill. (May 6, 2026) – Fresh off a breakout performance last week, Northwestern redshirt first-year Cary Drake (York, Maine/York) has been selected as the Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week, the league office announced on Wednesday. Drake is the first Wildcat to earn the honor this season.
For the second time this season, Drake shattered the program record in the 3,000m steeplechase this past Friday at the Badger Challenge in Madison, Wis. The York, Maine native clocked a 25-second personal best in the event, finishing in 10:04.15 en route to victory.
With postseason action on the horizon, Drake currently finds herself ranked second in the Big Ten, 10th in the NCAA West Region, and 26th overall nationally in the 3,000m steeplechase.
Northwestern returns to action at the end of next week, May 15-17, at the Big Ten Conference Outdoor Championships in Lincoln, Neb.
For the second time this season, Drake shattered the program record in the 3,000m steeplechase this past Friday at the Badger Challenge in Madison, Wis. The York, Maine native clocked a 25-second personal best in the event, finishing in 10:04.15 en route to victory.
With postseason action on the horizon, Drake currently finds herself ranked second in the Big Ten, 10th in the NCAA West Region, and 26th overall nationally in the 3,000m steeplechase.
Northwestern returns to action at the end of next week, May 15-17, at the Big Ten Conference Outdoor Championships in Lincoln, Neb.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country & Track
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