Illinois women's track and field junior Samantha Murphy was named Big Ten Track Co-Athlete of the Week after a stellar season opening performance at the Illini Open, announced the conference office today.

In the indoor season opener, the Illini recorded nine event titles during the contest. There were four Orange and Blue athletes who placed their names into the school's top-10 performance lists.

The Illinois women's track and field team will host the Illini Open along with the Illini men's team on Saturday, Jan. 12 at the UI Armory.

On Thursday morning Ashley Spencer was named to the initial 2013 Bowerman Watch List by the USTFCCCA, making the list of 10 athletes to keep an eye on during the 2013 indoor and outdoor seasons.

Fifth-year head coach Tonja Buford-Bailey and the USTFCCCA preseason No. 22 ranked Fighting Illini track team have big goals set for the 2013 season.