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Issued: October 27, 2005

WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY LOOKS TO TAKE WIAC CHAMPIONSHIPS

SUPERIOR - The UW-Eau Claire women's cross country team looks to further its successful season this Saturday at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships, held by UW-Superior.

The Blugolds had an 81-9 regular season. The team never finished below fourth, with a single first place meet at UW-River Falls, two runner-up events at the Roy Griak Invitational and at the Blugold Open, two third place finishes at the St. Olaf event and the Lake Wissota Tri-meet, and one fourth place final at the UW-La Crosse Invite. The women run at 11:00 a.m. and are followed by the men at noon. They are ranked 13th nationally by the NCAA Division III Cross Country Coaches Association.

Molly Warner (So.-Mosinee) has been the leader this season, finishing first for the team in every event she has competed in. She was the top runner overall at the first meet of the season, hosted by UW-River Falls. 22:24 is her top time, which she claimed at the UW-La Crosse Invite. She has also finished fourth, ninth, 11th, and 12th overall this season, making for a great year.

Rachel Anderson (Sr.-St. Paul, MN/Harding) has had an outstanding season, as well. She has three second place finishes for the Blugolds and has also finished third a couple of times for Eau Claire. Her top place was second at the opening meet behind Warner. The best time of her season was 22:34 at La Crosse. Right on Anderson's heels has been Jane-Marie Ovanin (Sr.-Amherst). For Eau Claire, she has finished second two times and third three times. She had a third place finish at River Falls to help the team to victory. 22:54 is her best time, coming at La Crosse.

The WIAC is full of competition, however. UW-Stevens Point has won the title the last two years. The team is ranked 15th in the nation. Jenna Mitchler, the team's best runner last year with a fourth place finish, will run this weekend. La Crosse looks to claim the championship, as they rank third in the country. Kristen Painter finished eighth overall last year at the WIAC Championships. Competition will also come from 17th ranked UW-Oshkosh, making for an exciting event. The runner-up in last year's race, Kristy Giljohann, returns for Oshkosh.

The meet begins at 11:00 a.m. this Saturday in Superior.

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