(Sacramento, CA) Mt. SAC Sophomore Sprinter Cravon Gillespie was named the 2015-2016 California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Men's Athlete of the Year.  The award is given annually to the states top community college student-athlete, across all sports, offered by the CCCAA and voted on by the California Community College Sports Information Association (CCCSIA).  

Gillespie was the premier sprinter in community college athletics during the 2016 season. He captured Southern California and California State titles in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and as a member of the 4 X 100 meter relay. Nationally, he produced the fastest community college times in the 100 (10.04) and 200 meters (20.20), the latter automatically qualifying him for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials and surpassing the Olympic Entry Standard of 20.50.  At the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene Oregon, Gillespie ran 21.21 and finished in 35th place.

He is one of only four California Community College student-athletes to have a national community college leading mark and he is the only athlete to post the top mark in more than one event. Coming into the Olympic Trials, his 200 meter time is the 8th fastest time in the nation (overall) and 20th fastest time in the world this year. His 100 meter mark is the 7th fastest mark in the nation, in any condition (overall). Due to his running prowess, Gillespie garnered a number of top honors including; CCCAA May Student-Athlete of the Month, CCCAA State Championship Athlete of the Meet (running events) and South Coast Conference Track and Field Athlete of the Year (running events).

Gillespie is a resident of Monrovia, CA and attended Monrovia High School.  He will be continuing his running and academic career at the University of Oregon.

Click here to view the CCCAA release. (http://www.cccaasports.org/AOTY/2015-2016_Athlete_of_the_Year.pdf)

For more information please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.