ELMHURST, Ill. - Western Illinois track and field athlete junior Michael Hemming (Bettendorf, Iowa/Pleasant Valley) has been named as The Summit League Men's Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Week as announced by the league office on Tuesday, Dec. 14.

Hemming earned the award, the first of his career, after recording two top-three finishes, including a league-best time, at the Holiday Preview at Iowa State on Friday (Dec. 10). Hemming finished third in the 800 meter run with a personal best time of 1:57.75, the fastest league time this season. Hemming was also a part of the second place 4x400 relay team with a time of 3:25.45, the second-best league time thus far.

A week earlier (Dec. 4) at the season-opening Early Bird Open, Hemming recorded two fourth place finishes in the 800-meter run and the 4x400 relay. Prior to this honor, Hemming had earned three academic awards from The Summit League - 2009 Fall Academic All-League Team, 2010 Winter/Spring Academic All-League Team, 2010 Distinguished Scholar honors for a GPA of 3.60 or higher.

Hemming's award marks the first time this indoor season that a Leatherneck has earned a Summit League Athlete of the Week award.