WSU’s Anderson finishes runner-up for track and field award

Washington State’s Jeshua Anderson was one of two runners-up to Ngoni Makusha of Florida State for The Bowerman award, presented Wednesday night at San Antonio to the nation’s top collegiate track and field athletes.

Jessica Beard of Texas A&M earned the women’s honor, awarded by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association as their sport’s version of the Heisman Trophy.

Anderson won a fourth Pac-10 and third NCAA championship in the 400-meter hurdles before qualifying for his first World Championships team, although the Bowerman includes only collegiate achievements. Makusha won the 100 meters and long jump at the NCAAs, matching Carl Lewis, Jesse Owens and DeHart Hubbard as the only men to pull of that double.

Florida’s world champion triple jumper Christian Taylor was the other male finalist.

“It was a great honor to even be here and have my family experience this with me,” Anderson said. “This means a lot, seeing my hard work pay off and getting nominated for a prestigious award like that.”

His college eligibility concluded, Anderson continues to train at WSU and will resume competition during the indoor season, with the Millrose Games in New York City scheduled to be his first major outing.