Cary Drake Named Big Ten Freshman Of The WeekCary Drake Named Big Ten Freshman Of The Week
Kailey Zagst/Northwestern Athletics

Cary Drake Named Big Ten Freshman Of The Week

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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.