FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – One week after competing in the International Paralympic Championships in Qatar, Northern Arizona University assistant jumps coach Roderick Townsend has been nominated by the U.S. Olympic Committee as a finalist for Male Paralympic Athlete of the Year.

"It is a very humbling experience for me," said Townsend. "Earlier in the year, I won Team U.S.A. Male Athlete of the Month, and at the time that was my biggest accomplishment. However, in just a few short months, I have done many things that are starting to overshadow that as far as breaking world records, winning world titles and Pan American titles."

Townsend, who is in his first year as a coach for the Lumberjacks, traveled overseas last week for the IPC's where he participated in the men's long, triple and high jump, as well as the 4x100 relays. Townsend medaled in all four events he competed in, including a gold medal in the men's high jump where he set a world championship record at 2.03m. Townsend also set an American world record in the triple jump (14.49m) en route to earning a silver medal.

As he mentioned above, Townsend also received U.S.A. Male Athlete of the Month for June, which accounted for American Olympic and Paralympic athletes alike.

"It's just amazing to see all of the hard work paying off that my coach and I have put in over the years," said Townsend. "I have always worked hard, but I am just overwhelmed with all of the accomplishments over the past couple of months."

Townsend was nominated along with American Paralympic athletes Joe Berenyi, Declan Farmer, Mike Shea and Andy Soule. Click on the link below to go and show your support for Coach Townsend:

www.teamusa.org/awards.

Voting is open until Friday, Nov. 20.