Dec. 13, 2004

WACO, Texas - Baylor junior Jeremy Wariner, who now run professionally, was named the "Top Rookie of 2004" in Monday's ESPN.com Page 2 article by Jeff Merron.

The article recognized the 20-year old Grand Prairie native for "pulling one of the biggest upset wins in Olympic sprint history," when he claimed the gold medal in the 400 meters with a time of 44.00, the fastest time in four years.

Wariner's victory in Athens capped a season in which he also claimed the 400-meter titles at the U.S. Championships and the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships, a feat never before accomplished in the event. Wariner also helped the U.S. 4x400-meter relay to gold and captured the NCAA indoor and outdoor titles for Baylor. The indoor squad set a new collegiate record with a time of 3:03.96.

Wariner beat out Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) guard Diana Taurasi, Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson and Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder and N.L. Rookie of the Year Jason Bay, who rounded out the top five.

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