Kitching Named Big Ten Indoor Track Athlete of the Week

Penn State track & field's Hayley Kitching was recognized as the Big Ten Women's Indoor Co-Track Athlete of the Week, as announced by the conference on Jan. 24.

Kitching, a sophomore middle-distance star, ran a 1:28.18 in the 600-meters at the Simmons-Harvey Invitational on Saturday, setting the No. 3 collegiate time this season and breaking the Penn State school record in the event.

The Coffs Harbour, Australia native is off to a strong start through her first two competitions this season, setting top-five times in Penn State indoor history in both the 1,000-meter and 600-meter runs.

Kitching is no stranger to Big Ten honors, as she earned a pair of Big Ten Freshman of the Year awards last season following her stellar first season as a Nittany Lion. Kitching earned a silver medal from the conference last season in the indoor 800, as well as a bronze in the event during outdoor season.

This is the first Big Ten Athlete of the Week honor for Kitching and is the second this season for the Nittany Lions following Cheickna Traore's Men's Track Athlete of the Week recognition last week.

PENN STATE'S 2023-24 BIG TEN TRACK & FIELD WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS

• Jan. 17 – Cheickna Traore – Sprints – Men's Indoor Track Athlete of the Week

• Jan. 24 – Hayley Kitching – Mid-Distance – Women's Indoor Co-Track Athlete of the Week

Kitching and the Nittany Lions return home to Happy Valley this weekend when they host the Penn State National Open on Friday, Jan. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 27.