SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Appalachian State's Whitney Smyre has been named Southern Conference Field Athlete of the Month for January, the league announced Friday.

Smyre opened 2010 with wins in both the shot put and weight throw at North Carolina's Tar Heel Invitational. The Stony Point, N.C. native followed that performance with fifth place finishes in both events at East Tennessee State's Niswonger Invitational.

Smyre, who is the reigning SoCon Indoor Champion in the shot put and weight throw, currently leads the league in both categories with a season best toss of 44-11 in the shot, and 57-9 in the weight throw.

Appalachian State track and field will be out of action this weekend, and return next Friday at the Akron Invitational.