AU Women's Cross Country Garners Regional Ranking

Courtesy of Aurora University

AURORA, Ill. -- For the first time in the short history of the Aurora University women's cross country program, the Spartans have been ranked inthe Midwest Region by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). Official rankings can be viewed here, NCAA Division III Team rankings.

"We're definitely excited about the ranking. For the last five seasons we have continued to improve as a team and develop athletes," said Head Cross Country Coach Ryan Chapman. "The top-10 ranking highlights this development and this growth, and is a good signifier of where this team is headed.  We hope to stay in those rankings for the remainder of the year. It won't be easy though. This weekend we'll be racing St. Norbert, Concordia Wisconsin and Carthage, amongst others. We just have to take every week as they come and keep theenergy up."

The Spartans are ranked ninth after their strong showing at the Spartan XC Classic this past weekend. In the Spartan XC Classic, AU finished second to the University of Chicago who is ranked third in the region, while beating eighth ranked Carthage College.

"It's exciting to see how far AU cross country has come as a team," said senior runner Briana Deckard. "My freshman year our team consisted of 10 girls and now it's my senior year and we have over 30 girls on our roster. This is the first time in AU history that our team is ranked regionally, and it's truly an honor to be a part of a team that has achieved that."
 
The next action for Deckard and the women's cross country team comes on Saturday, September 15, 2012, when they travel to Concordia University Wisconsin. Meet time is set for noon in Mequon, Wis.