Big 12 Athlete of the Year candidates will be highlighted each day through July 22. Fans will then be able to vote for their male and female choices from July 22-27. Fan voting will be considered in the final tally for selecting this prestigious award. Today's featured candidates are Oklahoma State's Natalja Piliusina and Justin Blackmon.

Oklahoma State Female Athlete of the Year Candidate
Natalja Piliusina; Cross Country, Track & Field
Freshman; Klaipeda, Lithuania

Accomplishments:
^Two-time USTFCCCA All-America
^Big 12 Indoor Champion in the 800 meters and distance medley relay
^Big 12 Outdoor Champion in the 800 meters
^Finished runner-up at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 800 meters
^Fifth in the distance medley relay at the NCAA Indoor Championships

Oklahoma State Male Athlete of the Year Candidate
Justin Blackmon; Football
Sophomore; Ardmore, Okla.

Accomplishments:
^2010 Biletnikoff Award Winner as nation's top receiver
^2010 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year
^NCAA sophomore record with 1,782 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns
^NCAA record 12-straight games with 100 receiving yards and a touchdown
^Unanimous All-American