University of Tennessee Athletics
Ismaila Sawaneh Named SEC Men’s Field Athlete of the Week
April 28, 2026 | Track & Field
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southeastern Conference announced Tuesday that Tennessee junior pole vaulter Ismaila Sawaneh has been named SEC Men's Field Athlete of the Week. This past Saturday, he improved upon his SEC-leading mark in the men's pole vault, clearing an outdoor personal-best 5.72 meters (18-9.25) to finish first at the Tiger Track Classic.
Sawaneh's performance ranks first in the conference and third nationally during the 2026 outdoor season. It also stands No. 31 in collegiate history and third on Tennessee's all-time list. The Normandy, France, native is enjoying a standout debut campaign for the Vols, having earned the SEC indoor title and First Team All-America honors during the indoor season.
This marks the first SEC Men's Field Athlete of the Week honor of Sawaneh's career and the third for Tennessee this season. Cade Gray previously earned the distinction twice during the indoor season (Feb. 10 and Feb. 24). Overall, Tennessee has collected five SEC weekly honors during the 2026 campaign.
SEC Track & Field Weekly Honors – April 28, 2026
Men's Runner of the Week: Rivaldo Marshall, Arkansas
Men's Field Athlete of the Week: Ismaila Sawaneh, Tennessee
Men's Freshman of the Week: Abdoul Sy-Savane, Arkansas
Women's Runner of the Week: JaMeesia Ford, South Carolina
Women's Field Athlete of the Week: Princesse Hyman, LSU
Women's Freshman of the Week: Sophia Mazzoni, Auburn
Tennessee Track & Field – 2026 Weekly Honors
Men's Field Athlete of the Week (3)
Cade Gray (2/10, 2/24)
Ismaila Sawaneh (4/28)
Women's Field Athlete of the Week (1)
Cedricka Williams (4/14)
Women's Freshman of the Week (1)
Hannah Grace (4/14)
Sawaneh's performance ranks first in the conference and third nationally during the 2026 outdoor season. It also stands No. 31 in collegiate history and third on Tennessee's all-time list. The Normandy, France, native is enjoying a standout debut campaign for the Vols, having earned the SEC indoor title and First Team All-America honors during the indoor season.
This marks the first SEC Men's Field Athlete of the Week honor of Sawaneh's career and the third for Tennessee this season. Cade Gray previously earned the distinction twice during the indoor season (Feb. 10 and Feb. 24). Overall, Tennessee has collected five SEC weekly honors during the 2026 campaign.
SEC Track & Field Weekly Honors – April 28, 2026
Men's Runner of the Week: Rivaldo Marshall, Arkansas
Men's Field Athlete of the Week: Ismaila Sawaneh, Tennessee
Men's Freshman of the Week: Abdoul Sy-Savane, Arkansas
Women's Runner of the Week: JaMeesia Ford, South Carolina
Women's Field Athlete of the Week: Princesse Hyman, LSU
Women's Freshman of the Week: Sophia Mazzoni, Auburn
Tennessee Track & Field – 2026 Weekly Honors
Men's Field Athlete of the Week (3)
Cade Gray (2/10, 2/24)
Ismaila Sawaneh (4/28)
Women's Field Athlete of the Week (1)
Cedricka Williams (4/14)
Women's Freshman of the Week (1)
Hannah Grace (4/14)
Players Mentioned
Pole Vault
/ Track & Field
Pole Vault/Jumps
/ Track & Field
Pole Vault
/ Track & Field
Throws
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