Douma-Hussar is Third at Emerald Nuts Midnight Run

PEACOCK, PEZZULLO ARE MIDNIGHT RUN CHAMPIONS

By David Monti, Race Results Weekly

NEW YORK (31-Dec) — Two athletes training in North Carolina, Landon Peacock of Blowing Rock and Stephanie Pezzullo of Charlotte, won the 33rd Emerald Nuts Midnight Run, a four mile road race held here in Central Park at the stroke of midnight.

Peacock, 24, a former University of Wisconsin Badger who now runs for the Reebok-sponsored ZAP Fitness program, clocked 18 minutes and 35 seconds, three seconds up on Tesfaye Dube, an Ethiopian athlete who runs for the New York-based West Side Runners club. Stephen Pifer, who runs for the Nike Oregon Track Club in Eugene, finished third in 18:48.

“It was a whole lot of fun,” Peacock said after running the race for the first time. He smiled and added: ”It was the most interesting way I’ve started a year.”

Pezzullo, 29, who represents Saucony, outlegged rivals Sarah Porter and Carmen Douma-Hussar in the final mile to win in 21:05, a personal best for the distance by 55 seconds. For Pezzullo it was her first Midnight Run victory; she was second back in 2006.

“Awesome, awesome,” Pezzullo said when she was asked how the race went. She continued: “It was just a great experience, and the crowd support was unbelievable.”

Porter, who like men’s winner Peacock runs for the ZAP Fitness program, crossed the finish line in 21:17 in her debut at the race. Douma-Hussar, a Canadian Olympian and former Midnight Run champion and course record holder, ran 21:26. Former Providence College standout Katie DiCamillo was fourth in 21:38.

Both Peacock and Pezzullo earned $600 each in prize money and time bonuses.

The New York Road Runners, the race founders and organizers, said about 5000 runners took part. A nearly 20 minute fireworks display accompanied the race.

Top 10 Finishers

WOMEN 
 1 Stephanie Pezzullo  29      Charlotte, NC     USA     21:05
 2 Sarah Porter   22           Blowing Rock, NC  USA     21:17
 3 Carmen Douma-Hussar  34     Ardmore, PA       CAN     21:26
 4 Katie DiCamillo  25         Providence, RI    USA     21:38
 5 Breanne Simpson  29         New York, NY      USA     22:56
 6 Leonora Petrina  29         Bayport, NY       USA     23:37
 7 Elizabeth Briasco  19       Forest Hills, NY  USA     24:09
 8 Alem Ashebir Gebreezgi 26   New York, NY      ETH     24:49
 9 Marisa Cummings  19         New York, NY      USA     25:40
10 Sarah Cummings  22          Princeton, NJ     USA     25:40

Carmen Douma-Hussar on Tap for New Year's Eve Race

Emerald Nuts Midnight Run to Ring in New Year

Carmen Douma-Hussar, Sarah Porter, Landon Peacock and Christian Hesch set to race under a glittering sky of fireworks at midnight

NEW YORK - (December 27, 2011) - As 2011 winds down, New York Road Runners is gearing up to celebrate the new year with the legendary Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in Central Park at midnight on December 31. Professional athletes will toe the line with thousands of reveling New Yorkers, it was announced by NYRR president and CEO Mary Wittenberg.

The Midnight Run, a Central Park tradition since 1978, offers runners and spectators a fun and athletic way to celebrate New Year's Eve. As the ball drops in Times Square just blocks away, runners can party through a four-mile run knowing they won't drop the ball on their fitness this year. The run promises to be one of the most distinctive, cost-effective parties in all of Manhattan.

"The Emerald Nuts Midnight Run is a unique and active way to celebrate New Year's Eve in New York City," said Wittenberg. "It's the perfect way to start the New Year on the right foot, literally! We welcome friends and family to join an extravaganza of fun-from the run to the fireworks."

"We look forward to partnering with the NYRR for an eighth straight year, especially in such an iconic New York event," said Craig Tokusato, vice president of marketing at Diamond Foods, Inc. "The Emerald Nuts Midnight Run will be a great way to celebrate the new year in a fun, healthy and safe environment."

The festivities begin at 10:00pm with music and a massive dance party, followed by a spirited costume parade and contest at 11:00pm. At the stroke of midnight, runners will take off on a four-mile loop through Central Park while the night sky sparkles with a 17-minute fireworks show. Halfway through the race, runners will have the option of toasting the new year with a glass of non-alcoholic champagne at the two-mile mark.

In addition to the celebrations that are planned throughout the evening, a strong professional athlete field will race for a prize purse of $2000, including $500 apiece to the male and female winners. Canadian Olympian and 2007 Emerald Nuts Midnight Run champion Carmen Douma-Hussar will be up against Sarah Porter, the 2011 NCAA Division II 10,000 meter champion, who made her marathon debut in this year's ING New York City Marathon. Other top contenders in the women's field include Katie DiCamillo, Stephanie Pezzullo, Lesley Higgins and Sarah Cummings.

In the men's field, Landon Peacock, the 2010 Big Ten 5000 meter indoor champion, will compete against two-time Emerald Nuts Midnight Run champion (2003-04) and former course record holder Christian Hesch. Other top contenders in the men's field include Tim Ritchie and Stephen Pifer.

• Douma-Hussar, 34, of Ardmore, PA, won this event in 2007 in 20:54. She was second in 2010 in 20:55.

• Porter, 22, of Blowing Rock, NC, won the 2011 NCAA Division II 10,000m championship in 33:17.39. She finished the ING New York City Marathon this past November in 2:44:25.

• Peacock, 24, of Blowing Rock, NC, won the 2010 Big Ten Indoor Championships 5000 meters in 14:11.94 for the University of Wisconsin. He was recently second at the Manchester Road Race (4.75 miles) on Thanksgiving Day in 21:39.

• Hesch, 33, of Hollywood, CA, won this event in 2003 (19:36) and 2004 (18:28), and is a former course record holder.

Other top contenders in the women's field:

• DiCamillo, 25, of Providence, RI, won the 2010 ECAC Outdoor Championships 5000 meters in 16:25.83.
• Pezzullo, 29, of Charlotte, NC, was second at this event in 2006 in 22:00.
• Higgins, 31, of New York, NY, placed second in the 2001 NCAA Indoor Championships Mile in 4:42.36.
• Cummings, 23, of New York, NY, placed second in the 2011 Ivy League Outdoor 5000 meters in16:48.51.

Other top contenders in the men's field:

• Ritchie, 24, of Brighton, MA, placed fifth at this year's Manchester Road Race (4.75 miles) on Thanksgiving Day in 21:47.
• Pifer, 27, of Eugene, OR, placed second in the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Championships 5000 meters in 13:39.34.

For more details on the race and pre-race festivities in Central Park, visit: www.nyrr.org

"The Great One" -- Reid Wins FloTrack Gretsky Award

Here's the latest from the folks at FloTrack:

As we sat down and reflected on what were truly the greatest moments of the 2011 season one name kept coming up but we couldn't find a superlative that truly encompassed the greatness of this athlete. This athlete has consistently risen to the occasion and seems to have a quiet tenaciousness that combined with a race savvy like none else, produces an almost unbeatable package.

The athlete is Villanova Senior Sheila Reid. We knew we wanted to recognize her but didn't know what title to bestow upon her name. The first idea was to give her "Canadian of the Year" which, is a tremendous title especially when you consider how well Canucks have done this year. But that was too generic, bland and unFlotrack. So eventually we came to the idea of naming it after the Canadian Chuck Norris. Wayne Gretzky.

Who better to receive this award then a fellow Ontarioan ..Ontarianite ..(a person who is from Ontario). The two are just plain winners. Gretzky once said "A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be."

Sheila has been able to craft races into her own blueprint. Her keen race senses are unparalleled and in 2011 almost unbeatable.

Indoors she anchored her Villanova crew to a DMR crown and was barely edged out in the 3k by Hasay. (Fortunately for her, the last place finish in the pee test was went virtually unnoticed and did not effect her indoor stats- 4:00 into vid)

Then Came Outdoors and Sheila was all business as she tore up the Blue Oval in Des Moines. Battling through A 1500 prelim on the second day, Sheila came back the next night to pull away and win the 5k in 15:37. The long weekend continued as she still had a tough, 1500m final on her plate. It came down to the wire again, but as usual, Sheila timed it right, winning in 4:14.57.

Cross Country brought a lot of pressure for the reigning NCAA champion. Reid didn't have an easy road to the championship opening her season at the Wisconsin Invitational. It came down to scene we all know to well. With Jordan and Sheila stride for stride going into the home stretch, Reid set the tone for her season and pulled away with a signature kick.

Reid Continued to roll, and in November arrived in Terre Haute with an undefeated season on her hands. The women's race seemed as though it was scripted it was so dramatic. Fjortoft of SMU took the race out hard and did all she could to not let the race come down to a kick. But with 400m to go, in almost slow motion, a pack of about five women hugged the turn and darted for the barely visible finish line and for a second, it looked as though someone might take down the reigning champ. (I wanted to insert a nickname here, but i don't think she has one yet..lets work on that. Gretzky is "The great one"..just saying) With 200 meters to go the two titans of NCAA XC broke forth and it came down to none other than Sheila and Jordan. It was tight, each inching in front of the other with syncopated strides. Then the barrier was broken and Sheila powered away across the finish line to defended her title.



The NHL has officially retired Gretzky's #99 from ever being used again. Sheila Could leave her Collegiate career with 13 All American Awards so how can Coach Procaccio immortalize Sheila once she leaves Nova and is toeing the line in London next summer?

I will deliver this award to Sheila personally and I will be wearing my best Canadian Tuxedo (Denim Jacket, Denim Jeans, Denim Attitude.)

Jen Rhines on the Upcoming US Olympic Marathon Trials

Jen Rhines for the first time speaks openly about her DNF at the New York City marathon in November -- her first marathon in 5 years -- and her surprising decision to compete in the upcoming USA Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston on January 14th. She competed in the 2004 US marathon trials, where she finished 3rd and made Team USA. She finished 34th at the Olympics that year, in 2:43:52. Overall, Jen has competed in three previous Olympic Games for the USA: over 10,000 meters in 2000, the marathon in 2004, and over 5000 meters in 2008. Jen has indicated for well over a year that her intention for 2012 was to attempt to make the US team at 10,000 meters. Inasmuch as she has not completed a marathon since 2006, and given her recent DNF in New York, Jen would have to be considered a long shot to make the marathon squad this time. Rhines has a marathon PR of 2:29:32 (good for 4th place at the 2006 Rome Marathon).

Running the marathon trials next month does not, of course, preclude an attempt to make the team at 10,000 meters. That race will be held at the Olympic Trials on June 22nd in Eugene, Oregon. Her coach and husband (and former Villanova All-American) Terrence Mahon recently explained the decision to give it a go in Houston: "She's running. . . . We trained her to run New York in November off her track season, but I don't think we timed it right. She didn't adapt quickly enough. She wanted to give it another try, and I thought, 'Okay, let's run the Marathon Trials.' Her primary goal is still to run on the track in London. She's not going to race as aggressively as the other two [Mammoth TC competitors, Deena Kastor and Amy Hastings]. But if she runs smart and makes the Olympic Team, great. If she gets close to the third-place runner in the last six miles, that's not going to be good for the woman in third. But for Jen it's not an all-or-nothing situation the way it is for Deena."

Curtis Named Captain of Team USA for Great Edinburgh XC Challenge

Team USA Announced for Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country - International Challenge
12/21/2011

INDIANAPOLIS - Team USA will travel to Scotland for the second Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country - International Challenge on Jan. 7, 2012.

Teams from the United States, Great Britain and Northern Ireland and a select European team will compete in men’s and women’s junior and senior races. Each country competing in the International Team Challenge will consist of nine athletes per team (six on the junior teams) with the first six athletes per team (first four on the junior teams) scoring. In cross country, the team with the lowest overall score wins.

After only a senior men’s race was held in the inaugural event in 2011, Team USA will be in full force in the second running of the event. Bobby Mack (Raleigh, N.C.) is the sole returning athlete after finishing sixth last year to finish as the second American en route to the team’s silver medal.

Mack will be joined by team captain Bobby Curtis (Ardmore, Pa.) who ran the second fastest 10,000m time by an American in 2011 with his 27:24.67 effort at the Stanford Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational. Mack and Curtis will be joined by recent USATF National Club Cross Country Champion Jon Grey of (Minnetonka, Minn.) and Araon Braun (Flagstaff, Ariz.) who finished as the runner-up in the same race. The men’s squad is rounded out by Phil Reid (San Luis Obispo, Calif.), Colby Lowe (Southlake, Texas), Justin Tyner (Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Landon Peacock (Blowing Rock, N.C.) and Robert Cheseret (Colorado Springs, Colo.).

Neely Spence (Shippensburg, Pa.) will lead the senior women’s team after finishing as the runner-up at the recent USATF Club Cross Country Championships. Spence will be joined by Alisha Williams (Colorado Springs, Colo.) who finished 4th in the same race and Sarah Porter (Blowing Rock, N.C.) the 2011 NCAA D-II 10,000m champion. Other team members include Katie DiCamillo (Providence, R.I.), Bethany Nickless (Santa Barbara, Calif.) Jamie Cheever (Minneapolis, Minn.), Laura Thweatt (Boulder, Colo.), Maggie Infeld (Washington, D.C.) and Betzy Jimenez (Austin, Texas).

The junior squads include a mix of outstanding high school seniors and collegiate freshman. On the women’s side, Aisling Cuffe (Cornwall on Hudson, N.Y.) a freshman at Stanford leads the team after being the top junior finisher for Team USA at the 2011 IAAF World Cross Country Championships. Kaitlin Flattman (Benton, La.) was recently named the SEC freshman cross country runner of the year and will be joined on the U.S. squad by her teammate Jessica Jackson (Neosho, Mo.) from the University of Arkansas. High school athletes include the top two finishers from the recent Foot Locker Cross Country Championships, Molly Seidel (Hartland, Wisc.) and Erin Finn (West Bloomfield, Mich.), as well as the third place finisher from the Nike Cross Country Nationals, Katie Knight (Spokane, Wash.).

On the junior men’s side, Princeton freshman Eddie Owens (Brooklyn, N.Y.) leads the team after winning silver in the Junior Pan-American steeplechase in July. Other collegiate runners include Ohio State freshman Michael Bradjic (Bay Village, Ohio) and Oklahoma State freshman Kirubel Erassa (Grayson, Ga.). and Thomas Curtain (Leesburg, Va.) of Virginia Tech. The high school duo of Nathan Weitz, and Andrew Gardner both of Spokane, Wash. round out the squad.Weitz recently finished 3rd at the Foot Locker Championships while Gardner took 6th.

Carmen Douma-Hussar to Contest Emerald Nuts Midnight Run

From Dave Monti in today's Race Results Weekly:

DOUMA-HUSSAR, PEACOCK LEAD MIDNIGHT RUN ENTRANTS:

The 33rd Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in New York’s Central Park, which will ring in the New Year on Saturday, December 31, will feature a solid elite field led by Canadian Carmen Douma-Hussar and American Landon Peacock. Douma-Hussar, 34, an Olympian and Villanova alumnus, won the race in 2007 and was the runner-up last year. Peacock, 24, was the 2010 Big 10 indoor 5000m champion for Wisconsin and was recently second at the Manchester Road Race on Thanksgiving Day. Other top contenders include last year’s NCAA Division II 10,000m champion Sarah Porter, the 2010 ECAC 5000m champion Katie DiCamillo, the 2006 Midnight Run runner-up Stephanie Pezzullo, two-time Midnight Run champion and former course record holder Christian Hesch, the fifth place finisher at the Manchester Road Race Tim Ritchie, and the 2008 NCAA 5000m championships runner-up Stephen Pifer. The four-mile road race, which usually draws about 5000 New Year’s revelers, has an impressive elite tradition. Former champions include Irishman Marcus O’Sullivan, USA Olympian Amy Rudolph, and 2011 Boston Marathon runner-up Desiree Davila.

Matt Gibney Named to Academic All-Area Team

Matthew Gibney Named to Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Team
www.villanova.com

Villanova senior continues to excel in competition and academically

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.--Senior Matthew Gibney (Albury, Australia) has been named to the 2011 Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Men's Cross Country Team, as announced on Tuesday morning by the Philadelphia Area Sports Information Directors Association. The award is based on both athletic and academic achievements and is voted on by local sports information directors. This is the first time that Gibney has won the award.

During the 2011 cross country season Gibney earned All-Mid Atlantic Region and All-BIG EAST honors while helping Villanova finish 13th as a team at the NCAA Championships, where the Wildcats placed 10 spots higher than last season. Gibney was one of the team's first two runners at each of the first four meets of the season, including coming in first on the team at both the BIG EAST Championships and the Paul Short Run.

Gibney placed fifth overall at both the conference meet and the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional and at the latter meet recorded a career-best 10K cross country time of 30:42. He came in fourth on the team and 109th overall at the national championships meet.

Outside of competition Gibney is a two-time BIG EAST Academic All-Star and last spring garnered Capital One Academic All-America third team honors for cross country and track & field. Gibney is an English major and maintains a 3.71 grade-point average.

Gibney also was named a Scholar-Athlete by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) last spring after a successful outdoor track season which saw him garner All-America honors in the 1500 meters and anchor Villanova to a Championship of America title in the distance medley relay at the Penn Relays.



The members of the 2011 Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Men's Cross Country Team are Gibney, Eric Arnold (Haverford), Tyler Dye (Philadelphia University), Stephen Hoffman (Rowan), Jacob Phillips (Swarthmore), Andrew Sturner (Haverford) and Matt VanDenHengel (Gwynedd-Mercy).

Each year the sports information directors from 28 area institutions vote on the Academic All-Area Teams for 22 different sports, plus two at-large teams. The teams recognize those student-athletes who are best able to balance athletics with academics, and excel at both. Voting is based on both grades and athletic performance. An overall Performer of the Year is also chosen from each team, as well as a Male Performer of the Year and a Female Performer of the Year at the end of each academic year.

The Academic All-Area program is now in its seventh year. A list of the honorees for each fall sport will appear in the printed edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer at a later date.

When Irish Guys are Miling: The Millrose Games

Chairman Of The Boards Coghlan Returns To Millrose


His `Dream Team' Strives to Renew Irish Tradition at Famous Meet

NEW YORK, December 20, 2011 - Celebrated runner Eamonn Coghlan is coming back to the Millrose Games, this time as an ``adopted coach.'' The seven-time champion of the Wanamaker Mile is helping bring a talented Irish squad from Dublin City University to compete in the Byron Dyce College Men's Distance Medley Relay in the 105th Millrose Games, February 11, 2012 at the Armory.

``I've known these kids since they were young teenagers,'' said Coghlan, whose son, John, will be running the 1600m anchor. ``I've seen them grow up. The fact that they are all in school together, they can see what running in New York City is all about. It's exciting for their team from Dublin University to go to the Millrose Games and have a chance to do exceptionally well.

``The Irish used to come to the Millrose Games to support me, Marcus O'Sullivan (Wanamaker Mile champion in 1986, '88, '89, '90 and '92 and now head coach at Villanova) and Ron Delany (winner of four consecutive Wanamaker Mile titles, 1956-59). People are not aware of the talent coming out of Ireland. It might get them back on the scene again and they potentially could make the Olympic Team come next July.''

Recognized as Ireland's ``Dream Team'' and Gold Medal winner of the Irish Under-23 Cross Country team competition, the Dublin City squad consists of Irish Junior 800m record holder Mark English (1:47.09), Brian Gregan, Darren McBrearty and 2010 U-23 Irish 1500 meters champion John Coghlan.

Dublin City University coach Enda Fitzpatrick will make the trip.

Earlier this year Eamonn Coghlan introduced to Armory Foundation president Dr. Norb Sander the idea of bringing an Irish Team to the Millrose Games. ``He asked me if I would be in on the floor activities,'' Coghlan recalled. ``I said we need a bit of the Irish influence back in the Millrose Games again. I said, `what about bringing an Irish team over?' ''

Thus Coghlan, nicknamed the Chairman of the Boards for winning the Wanamaker Mile in 1977, '79-'81, '83, '85 and '87, will be in attendance to support the talented Irish outfit.

``My role there is as a parent, coach and a nervous dad,'' Coghlan said. ``I just want to be with Norb and help keep the Millrose Games going. Enda would like my influence to be with the kids the day before and calm them down, motivate them and help them get ready.

``The Millrose Games are close to my heart for obvious reasons. My success in the Millrose Games has been the making of Eamonn Coghlan. Not a week goes by when someone doesn't say something to me about winning the Wanamaker Mile.''

The Irish Team will be competing against the country's top college programs including Eamonn Coghlan's alma mater Villanova, Virginia, Duke, Providence, Columbia and Albany.

The week prior to the Millrose Games, the Irish Team will participate individually in the New Balance Collegiate Invitational (Feb 3-4) at the Armory.

Hugo Beamish goes 14:23 for Kiwi Chiba Ekiden Relay in Japan

This story slipped past us temporarily, but Villanova's Hugo Beamish last month ran the 5K leg on New Zealand's Chiba Ekiden relay team in Japan. Here's the story from Athletics New Zealand:

Chiba Ekiden Relay – 23 November 2011

New Zealand finished eleventh in the Chiba Ekiden Relay.

The event is raced over the marathon distance of 42.2km in six stages with each team having three men and three women.

US based Hugo Beamish had New Zealand ninth after the first 5km in 14m 23s. Leonora Petrina, also based in the States, ran 16m 27s for the next 5km leg with the team in eleventh spot. Matt Smith ran the next 10km stage in 31m 3s with fellow Cantabrian Fiona Crombie completing lap four over 5km in 16m 31s.

Stephen Lett clocked 31m 12s for the 10km on the penultimate lap and Lisa Robertson anchored New Zealand home in 2h 14m 37s after running the final 7.195km in 25m 1s. Kenya won in a course record of 2h 4m 40s, just 19 seconds ahead of Japan with a Japan University third in 2h 7m 26s.

The New Zealand men’s Ekiden relay record is 2h 0m 56s set in Chiba in 1991 and the national women’s record is 2h 15m 49s also set in Chiba in 1988.

In the 5000m races for the travelling reserves Zane Robertson finished second in a PB 13m 58.37s and Nicki McFadzien was fourth in the mixed race in 17m 13.72s.

Kelsey Margey Verbals to Villanova

On November 5th, Long Island, NY's Kelsey Margey, a 17:25 5000 meter runner with 2:10 800 meter speed, won the New York section 8 cross country title in 17:49 and then promptly gave a verbal commitment to join Gina Procaccio's Villanova squad. She joins Pennsylvania's Angel Piccirillo as two star recruits who will enroll at Villanova in August. Margey ran her 5000 XC personal best cited above on October 15th when she won the Brown Invitational. At that point in the season Margey was ranked by MileSplit as the 17th best high school cross country runner in the United States. She'll help Villanova attempt to maintain its position of national excellence in cross country as the team loses two-time national champion Sheila Reid and three-time All American Bogdana Mimic.

Kelsey Margey's PRs
600 Meter Dash 1:40.28
800 Meter Run 2:10.01
1000 Meter Run 2:51.33
1500 Meter Run 4:23.82
One Mile Run 4:43.91
3000 Meter Run 10:02.10
4000 Meter Run 14:35.70
5000 Meter Run 17:25.40
Long Jump 15-2

More Academic Accolades for Sheila Reid

Here's a news release from the Villanova University Athletic Department:

Sheila Reid Named First Team Recipient of NCAS Scholar Baller Academic Momentum Award

Reid is one of 49 student-athletes across all sports to be recognized for their academic performance

Dec. 12, 2011

ORLANDO, Fla.--Senior cross country and track student-athlete Sheila Reid (Newmarket, Ont.) is a recipient of the 2011 Academic Momentum Award and is a first team selection, as announced last week by The Scholar Baller Program, in conjunction with the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS). A total of 49 student-athletes nationwide were chosen for the award, which encompasses all sports.

Nominees for the Academic Momentum Award were selected based on each student-athlete's academic improvement and the impact each of their academic performances had on his or her classmates, teammates, academic advisors and professors. A total of 17 male and female award recipients from NCAS partner schools were selected for the first team, 16 recipients were chosen for the second team and 16 recipients were selected for the third team. There were 89 nominations received from 55 different colleges and universities.

Reid made headlines during the 2010-11 academic year by winning four national championships, including becoming the first woman in history to win both the 1,500 meters and the 5,000 meters in the same year at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. She also won the cross country individual national title and anchored Villanova to a national championship in the distance medley relay during the indoor track & field season.

Her academic accomplishments were just as impressive. While helping lead the cross country team to a second consecutive national championship in 2010, and winning her first individual national title in the process, Reid achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average for the Fall 2010 semester. She was named both the National Athlete of the Year and the National Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

Following the conclusion of the 2010-11 academic year Reid was voted a Capital One First Team Academic All-American and was a `Top 3' finalist for the Honda-Broderick Cup, presented to the top female collegiate student-athlete in the nation. Reid doubled as the Honda Sports Award winner for both cross country and track & field during the year.Reid is a double major in English and Communications at Villanova and has been a four-time BIG EAST Academic All-Star during her collegiate career. She has a 3.408 composite GPA.

To this point the 2011-12 academic year is off to just as promising a start for Reid as last year. She repeated as the individual champion at the NCAA Cross Country Championships and won all four of her races during the fall season, also including the BIG EAST Championships and the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional. Reid finished her collegiate cross country career having won each of her last eight starts, and 13 of her 15 races overall dating back to the 2009 season.

Reid has used up her indoor collegiate eligibility but will rejoin the Wildcats during the outdoor track & field season this spring. To date her combined accomplishments in cross country and track & field add up to five national championships, 11 All-America honors and 12 BIG EAST titles.

The First Team recipients of the Academic Momentum Award are Reid, Christopher Bass (men's basketball, Louisiana State); Chelsea Carrier (women's track & field, West Virginia); Erin Davis (women's gymnastics, Nebraska); Antonio Fenelus (football, Wisconsin); Janae Fulcher (women's basketball, Arizona State); Curenski Gilleylen (football, Nebraska); Robert McLarney (men's soccer, Rutgers); Jessica Panza (women's gymnastics, North Carolina State); Latoya Parkinson (women's track & field, Auburn); Trent Richardson (football, Alabama); Anthony Salciccia (men's soccer, California); and Natalie Villarreal (softball, Texas A&M).

The Second Team recipients of the Academic Momentum Award are Tyler Bitancurt (football, West Virginia); Aunye Boone (women's track & field, Virginia Tech); Brooke Borneman (field hockey, Indiana); Dakota Crockett (volleyball, Texas A&M); Janelle Davis (volleyball, Canisius); Michael Genovese (baseball, Seton Hall); Jamion Hartley (volleyball, Ball State); Kari Honomichl (volleyball, Niagara); Sarah Lizotte (water polo, UC San Diego); Amanda Montalto (softball, Ball State); Stephanie Norton (women's lacrosse, Connecticut); Jamal Parks (wrestling, Oklahoma State); Cecille Perez (women's basketball, Abilene Christian); Luke Spencer (men's soccer, Xavier); Shealyn Sullivan (women's soccer, Georgian Court); and Kayla Vitale (women's soccer, Dowling).

The Third Team recipients of the Academic Momentum Award are Stephen Bailey (football, Florida International); Ashley Benson (volleyball, Indiana); Mark Dodds (baseball, Florida International); Janae Grimes (softball, San Jose City College); April Hutchens (softball, Valdosta State); Verdell Jones II (men's basketball, Indiana); Chanel King (men's track & field, St. John's); Lindsey Lamar (football, USF); Shelly Lyons (football, Arizona State); Geoffrey Navarro (men's track & field, Monmouth); DeShawn Painter (men's basketball, North Carolina State); Matthew Pierce (football, Valdosta State); Korney Rhoades (men's soccer, South Carolina); Kiersten Tupper (women's lacrosse, Connecticut); Athalia Smith (women's track & field, Sacred Heart); and Khymest Williams (football, UCF).The NCAS is an ever-growing organization of colleges and universities that provides opportunities for current and former student-athletes to continue their pursuit of higher education, while working in the community with children to address social issues. Established in 1985, the overall mission of the NCAS is "to create a better society by focusing on educational attainment and using the power appeal of sport to positively affect social change."

Established in 1995, the Scholar Baller movement evolved in response to concerns that the student-athlete's athletics role increasingly superseded the student role. In order to address this issue, the founding members of Scholar Baller developed a groundbreaking program to bridge the gap between education and sport utilizing student-athletes' passion for entertainment and athletics. As a result, the Scholar Baller program has produced unprecedented outcomes in student retention and academic achievement.

1983 T&F News Interview with Eamonn Coghlan

To see the 1983 interview in Track and Field News, click HERE.

Is Carrie Tollefson Retired?

Over the past year or so Carrie Tollefson has given every indication that her professional running career is over. No major high-profile races, a budding media career back home in Minnesota, and a general sense of having "moved on" from the quest for another US Olympic team. Today in San Diego, Carrie was part of the media crew covering the Foot Locker Cross Country National Championships races. Here she is after the races at an autograph session:

Piccirillo 13th at Foot Locker National XC Championships

Villanova signee Angel Piccirillo finished 13th today in San Diego at the Foot Locker Cross Country National Championship.

Event 1  Girls 5k Run CC
=======================================================================          
    Name                    Year School                  Finals  Points          
=======================================================================          
Results - Women                                                                  
  1 Molly Seidel              12 MW, Hartland, WI       17:21.4    1             
  2 Erin Finn                 11 MW,W Bloomfield, MI    17:23.9    2             
  3 Laura Leff                10 NE,Syracuse, NY        17:33.9    3             
  4 Abbey Leonardi            12 NE,Kennebunkprt, ME    17:35.3    4             
  5 Karlie Garcia             11 WE,Roseville, CA       17:35.6    5             
  6 Grace Tinkey              11 SO,Macon, GA           17:37.0    6             
  7 Catarina Rocha            11 NE,Peabody, MA         17:37.3    7             
  8 Kelsey Braithwaite        12 WE,Perry, UT           17:38.4    8             
  9 Makena Morley              9 WE,Bigfork, MT         17:39.1    9             
 10 Julia Bos                 11 MW,Rockford, MI        17:39.2   10             
 11 Sophie Chase              11 SO,Burke, VA           17:44.2   11             
 12 Karis Jochen              11 SO,College Sttn, TX    17:44.8   12             
 13 Angel Piccirillo          12 NE,Homer City, PA      17:46.1   13             
 14 Lindsey Burdette          12 MW,Horton, MI          17:55.1   14             
 15 Alexandria Fons           10 MW,Franklin, WI        17:56.7   15             
 16 Megan Moye                12 SO,Moseley, VA         18:01.8   16             
 17 Nikki Hiltz               11 WE,Aptos, CA           18:04.0   17             
 18 Cali Roper                12 SO,Conroe, TX          18:04.1   18             
 19 Olivia Ortiz              11 SO,Bradenton, FL       18:05.9   19             
 20 Nicole Mello              11 MW,Columbia, MO        18:06.4   20             
 21 Maria Hauger              11 MW,Shakopee, MN        18:06.6   21             
 22 Camille Chapus            12 WE,PfcPalisades, CA    18:07.9   22             
 23 Jordan McPhee             10 WE,Normandy Prk, WA    18:13.7   23             
 24 Anna Maxwell              10 WE,Felton, CA          18:14.5   24             
 25 Taylor Manett             12 MW,Rockford, MI        18:16.1                  
 26 Sydney Scott              12 MW,Idaho Sprngs, CO    18:17.2                  
 27 Clare Carroll             10 WE,Folsom, CA          18:17.7                  
 28 Holly Bischof             12 NE,Hainsport, NJ       18:17.9   25             
 29 Samantha George           12 SO,Raleigh, NC         18:18.9   26             
 30 Alexis Panisse            12 NE,Bellrose, NY        18:19.2   27             
 31 Kaylee Flanagan           11 MW,Roselle, IL         18:19.4                  
 32 Sydney Segal              11 WE,BeverlyHills, CA    18:20.7                  
 33 Hannah Oneda              12 NE,Wesminster, MD      18:21.0   28             
 34 Alana Hadley               9 SO,Charlotte, NC       18:22.0                  
 35 Lily Williams             12 SO,Tallahassee, FL     18:29.1                  
 36 Caroline Kellner          12 NE,Wst Windsor, NJ     18:32.1                  
 37 Emily Nist                12 WE,Meridan, ID         18:34.3                  
 38 Bridget Blake             11 SO,Orlando, FL         18:36.1                  
 39 Tori Gerlach              12 NE,Perkasie, PA        18:37.3                  
 40 Meredith Speakman         12 NE,Carlisle, PA        18:45.6   

Reid Wins Second Honda Sports Award for Cross Country

Villanova's Shiela Reid Receives Honda Sports Award for Cross Country

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheila Reid of Villanova University, who successfully defended her national championship title against the University of Oregon's Jordan Hasay, has been named the recipient of the 2012 Honda Sports Award in cross country. It marks the second time that the fifth-year senior from Newmarket, Ontario, has been tapped as the top female collegiate athlete in cross country by the Collegiate Women Sports Awards Program.

Reid's repeat victory as the individual NCAA champion came with a closing kick past her longtime rival in the final 150 meters of the race. Reid is a five-time All-American and chosen National Female Athlete of the Year by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association for 2011. She made track history by winning both the 1,500-meter and 5,000-meter NCAA championships, an unprecedented double.."

"Over the last 12 months Sheila Reid has had one accomplishment after another," says Lynn Tighe, Villanova's Senior Woman Administrator. "She's a true champion in every sense of the word—on the track, in the classroom, and in the community
.
"We were thrilled last year to be back in the mix with the Honda award after not being among the honorees for a number of years. It's an award that has become representative of topnotch female athletes. There's a lot of prestige connected to it."

As a high school student Reid was a standout runner in her native Canada. In her first year (2007) at Villanova, Reid qualified for the individual cross country championships. She suffered a hip injury in 2008 but returned to lead her team to NCAA titles in 2009 and 2010. That year she won her first NCAA individual crown by a two-second margin, the closest finish in women's Division I history. Reid, an English major, is a four-time Big East Academic All-Star, and a first-team Capitol One Academic All-American carrying a 3.4 GPA.

The Honda Sports Award is presented annually to the top women athletes in 12 NCAA-sanctioned sports. Reid becomes a finalist for the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and the Honda Cup. Reid was chosen by a vote of coaches from 1,000 NCAA member schools. Finalists included Hasay (Oregon), Abbey D'Agostino (Dartmouth College) and Emily Infield (Georgetown University).

Ward and Anuszewski the Story as Cats Open Indoor Season

The Villanova men and women opened the 2011-2012 indoor season over the weekend at the Jack Pyrah Invitational hosted by Haverford College. As is usual for the first indoor meet of the year, times and distances were pretty much unremarkable as the athletes began competition for the year. Such was not the case, however, for Shericka Ward, who broke two meet records (in the 55 meters and 300 meters), and freshman Faith Dismuke who herself set a new meet standard in the 500 meters, surpassing Makalia Griffith's previous record from 2006. Freshman Leanne Tucker made her Villanova debut a winning one, taking the 800 meters in 2:20.32. Other winners were Amanda Borroughs in a tight 1000 meters (3:30.32), Emerald Walden over the 55 meter hurdles (8.19), and Kathleen McPhillips in the pole vault (3.65 meters).

For the men, thrower Frank Anuszewski won both the shot and weight throw, setting new PRs in each event and setting a new meet record with his 18.69 meter weight throw. Freshman Elbert Maxwell set a new meet record in the long jump, going 7.23 meters on his initial effort. Other Villanova winners were Sam Ellison in the 1000 meters (2:33.80), Greg Morrin in the 3000 meters (8:40.31), and Chris Dougherty in the pole vault (4.40 meters).

Next up for the squads is the Gotham Cup in New York City on January 13th at the Armory.

VILLANOVA RESULTS: Men

300 Meters
David Stillings               20th of 37               38.25
Cory Serfoss                  21st                     38.30
Matt Whalen                   23rd                     38.50


1000 Meters
Samuel Ellison                1st of 10                2:33.80
Dusty Solis                   2nd                      2:35.30
Joseph Capecci                3rd                      2:35.50


Mile
Brian Tetreault               2nd of 25                4:15.84
Joseph LoRusso                3rd                      4:16.51
Chris Pietrocarlo             4th                      4:21.14
Richie Bohny                  8th                      4:31.36
Robert Hurlbut (UA)           9th                      4:31.48
Charlie Bates (UA)            16th                     4:40.34


3000 Meters
Greg Morrin                   1st of 18                8:40.31
Brian Basili                  2nd                      8:45.28
Robert Hurlbut (UA)           18th                     10:32.25


4x400 Meter Relay
Villanova `A'                 2nd of 12                3:26.34


Weight Throw
Frank Anuszewski              1st of 11                18.69m (Meet Record)
Christopher McLeod            3rd                      14.38m
Billy Berrigan                7th                      13.01m


Long Jump
Elbert Maxwell                2nd of 10                7.23m (Meet Record)
Lazaro Tiant                  4th                      6.37m


Pole Vault
Chris Dougherty               1st of 7                 4.40m
Charlie Kido                  2nd                      4.25m


Shot PutM
Frank Anuszewski              1st of 14                15.14m


Triple Jump
George Bodziock               5th of 8                 12.92m

VILLANOVA RESULTS: Women

3000 Meters
Megan Venables                2nd of 19                10:20.33
Meghan Smith                  3rd                      10:28.96


55 Meter Hurdles
Emerald Walden                1st of 15                8.19
Katherine Petruzzellis        7th                      9.09


55 Meters
Shericka Ward                 1st of 27                7.07 (Meet Record)
Varonica Johnson              2nd                      7.17
Qualitra Brown                3rd                      7.24
Samantha Francis              13th                     7.51


500 Meters
Faith Dismuke                 1st of 29                1:15.52 (Meet Record)
Anna Francis                  5th                      1:18.74
Katherine Petruzzellis        17th                     1:23.28


300 Meters
Shericka Ward                 1st of 40                39.61 (Meet Record)
Qualitra Brown                2nd                      40.41
Varonica Johnson              5th                      41.89
Emerald Walden                14th                     43.39


800 Meters
Leanne Tucker                 1st of 11                2:20.32
Erin Ryan                     2nd                      2:20.92


1000 Meters
Amanda Borroughs              1st of 10                3:00.32


4x400 Meter Relay
Villanova `A'                 3rd of 13                4:02.14
Villanova `B'                 4th                      4:05.76


Weight Throw
Jamie Klein                   7th of 7                 9.82m


Long Jump
Kathleen McPhillips           3rd of 15                5.39m
Alexandria Reo                6th                      5.12m
Katherine Petruzzellis        8th                      5.05m


Pole Vault
Kathleen McPhillips           1st of 17                3.65m
Kim Logoyda                   3rd                      3.45m
Erica Litvak                  3rd                      3.45m
Melissa Meggiolaro            6th                      3.35m


Shot Put
Alexi Stershic                7th of 11                9.57m


Triple Jump
Samantha Francis              2nd of 8                 11.35m
Victoria Profit               3rd                      11.32m
Marie Minasi                  4th                      11.14m

Tollefson Defends Jamaican 10K Road Title

Carrie Tollefson returned to Negril, Jamaica this weekend and successfully defended her 2010 10K crown at the Raggae Marathon race fest. She ran 36:17 for the win (Carrie ran 35:05 last year on this course). While at Villanova, Tollefson won 3 NCAA titles over 3000 meters and a fourth at 5000 meters (in addition to an individual XC title); she won the US Olympic Trials 1500 meters in 2004.

Here's an article from the local Negril, Jamaica press.


Champions repeat at Reggae Marathon
Everard Owen, Jamaican Observer
Sunday, December 04, 2011

NEGRIL, Westmoreland — Three runners retained their titles at the 11th Reggae Marathon yesterday along the Norman Manley Boulevard.
Carrie Tollefson of Minnesota United States in the 10K for female (36:17.0), Kirk Brown in the half-marathon (1:12.20), and Rupert Green in the marathon (2:32.0) returned atop the podium.

The winners in the 10K had new record times as the course is now officially IAAF-certified. Oraine Wint Bellefield clocked 32:29.0 to finish ahead of Andre Headley GC Foster (33:29.0) and Nembhard Palmer of Bellefield (34:03.0).
Jhevere Hall (40:48.0) was second behind Tollefslon, while Molly-Ann Blake was next in 41:01.0.

Brown retained the half-marathon ahead of Bryan Huberty of USA (1:16.56) and Ronique Williams of Montego Bay (1:17.9).

Christina Dotson of Bermuda won the female race in 1:39.26 ahead of Kishka-Kaye O'Connor (1:44.43), and Sara Gress of Port Antonio (1:45.12).

Green (unattached) finished ahead of Colin Graham (3:8.24), and Herv Bacon of France (3:12.7), while first-timer Jenifer Goebel of Chicago clocked 3:07.59, Karlene Blagrove 3:36.51 and Soile Peltoniemi-Ni of Finland 3:51.41 to finish in that order.
According to race director Alfred Francis, "The marathon was good and it will enhance our long-distance runners.

"The course is certified and it means that if you run a world record it will stand; if you want to qualify for the Olympics, World Championship you can do it on the Reggae Marathon course," he said.

"This is the first time the 10K course is certified, so whatever time was run on it is a record...," he pointed out.

55 Years Ago Today

1.  Ron Delany (IRL)           3:41.2  (Olympic Record)
2.  Klaus Richtzenhain (EUA)   3:42.0
3.  John Landy (AUS)           3:42.0
4.  Laszlo Tabori (HUN)        3:42.4
5.  Brian Hewson (GBR)         3:42.6
6.  Stanislav Jungwirth (TCH)  3:42.6
7.  Neville Scott (NZL)        3:42.8
8.  Ian Boyd (GBR)             3:43.0

Video: Sheila Reid Interview: "I Like to Win"

Matt Gibney Leaves a Lasting Impact at Villanova

Matt Gibney has only a fortnight remaining as a Villanova student. He'll be returning to his native Australia at the end of the semester to pursue both an Olympic berth and a medical career. Even though his stay at Villanova was a brief three years, he contributed mightily to the regeneration of the men's program, and for that Villanova fans should be thankful. He will probably be best remembered for his two stellar DMR anchors at the Penn Relays,on a stage as big as they come for a middle distance runner, and a stage that applies massive pressure to Villanova athletes. When he arrived on campus in January 2009 coach Marcus O'Sullivan is reported to have told him "Just give me a good mile at the Penn Relays" -- a request that Gibney fulfilled with flying colors (ginger, in this particular case: see photo on right). He anchored the DMR to Villanova's 23rd Championship of America in that event. He repeated the feat in 2011, helping bring home a 24th COA wheel (see photo above). Matt was a multiple All-American, broke the 4:00 minute barrier in the mile, performed his best on the biggest stage at Penn, all the while excelling in the classroom: Gibney in 2011 was Villanova's first men's Capital One Academic All-American since 2007. Villanova Running wishes Matt good luck in his pursuit of a spot on Australia's Olympic team for 2012 and in his future professional endeavors.

Here's a look at Matt Gibney's career highlights as a Villanova Wildcat:

2009 Indoor
Wins the mile at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational
Wins the Big East mile championship

2009 Outdoor
All-American in 1500 meters with 5th place at NCAA meet
Anchors Villanova's Distance Medley Relay team to a COA win at the Penn Relays
Breaks the metric equivalent of the 4:00 mile with a 3:40.58 in the 1500 meters

2009 Cross Country
Earns NCAA All-Mid-Atlantic Region status for 22nd place finish (31:10 over 10K)

2010 Indoor
Wins second Big East mile championship
Wins the mile at the Haverford Invitational

2010 Outdoor
Red-shirted due to injury

2010 Cross Country
Wins the Haverford Invitational in 20:06 over 4 miles

2011 Indoor
Breaks the 4:00 mile barrier with a 3:58.12 at the Husky Invitational in Seattle
Finalist in the mile at the NCAA Indoor championships
Big East runner-up in the mile
Anchors Villanova's runner-up 4x800 meter squad at Big East conference meet
Wins the mile at the New York Road Runners indoor meet

2011 Outdoor
Anchors Villanova's Distance Medley Relay team to a COA win at the Penn Relays
All-American at 1500 meters with 4th place finish at NCAA meet
All-Big East over 800 meters with 3rd place finish in 1:48.66
Wins 1500 meters at the Larry Ellis Invitational

2011 Cross Country
Earns NCAA All-Mid-Atlantic Region status for 5th place finish (30:42 over 10K)
Earns All-Big East status for 5th place finish (23:41 over 8K)
15th Overall at Paul Short Run (24:41 over 8K)

Reid and Hasay Sprint to the Finish

This beauty is from Jason Wighton's Flickr photostream, available HERE. Click on the photo for a larger version.

Photo Album of Villanova Women at NCAA XC Nationals

These great shots come from D.W. McDannald's Flickr page, available by clicking HERE. Click on each photo for a much larger version.

Rob Denault 2nd Overall at Canadian Junior Cross Country Championships

Here's an article that describes the Canadian Junior Cross Country championship race over the weekend. Rob Denault red-shirted during cross country season as a freshman at Villanova this fall. He is pictured above in the black and green singlet. Also of note, former Villanova harrier Sam Pawluk finished 8th in the Senior Men's race, covering the 10 kilometers in 33:22.

Denault leads way as Huskies earn 5th straight title
John Cudmore, YorkRegion.com

Rob Denault finished second in a field of 167 competitors to help the Newmarket Huskies to second place in the men’s team standings at the rain-soaked Canadian cross-country championships Saturday at Jericho Park in Vancouver.

Denault, a freshman at Villanova University in Philadelphia, covered the muddy eight-kilometre course in 26 minutes, 22 seconds, finishing two seconds behind winner Ryan Cassidy of the University of Victoria Track Club. Teammate Dylan Brown placed 15th as the Huskies finished behind Windsor Legion Track and Field club.

Combined with a fifth-place finish by the junior women’s team, the Huskies earned their fifth straight Athletics Canada junior club of the year title, claiming a share of top spot with Ottawa Lions.

Caileigh Glenn turned in the top result among Huskies women, finishing eighth among 116 runners.

In masters, Geoff Peat’s sixth-place finish helped the men’s 40-and-over team to victory in overall team standings. Chris Deighan, Tom Callaghan and Jim Freemantle rounded out the roster.

The Huskies quartet of Ken Hamilton, John DeFinney, Tim Payne and Murray Hale also captured top spot in the men’s over-60 division category.

Top 20 Finishers
1 Cassidy, Ryan UVIC BC 26:20 1993 18
2 *Sikubwabo, Yves Ottawa Lions Track and Field ON 26:21 1993 18
3 Denault, Robert Newmarket Huskies Track Club ON 26:22 1993 18
4 Hendrikx, Aaron London Runner Distance Club ON 26:43 1993 18
5 Kowalsky, Andrew Windsor Legion Track & Field ON 26:47 1992 19
6 Piticariu, Daniel Windsor Legion Track & Field ON 26:49 1992 19
7 Flanagan, Ben Tri City Track Club ON 26:50 1995 16
8 Johnston, Blair Trinity Western University Spa BC 26:55 1992 19
9 Janikowski, Paul Windsor Legion Track & Field ON 26:57 1992 19
10 Hadfield, Gareth CALTAF Athletics Association AB 26:59 1992 19
11 Bourget, Jeremie Timmins Porcupine TFC ON 27:04 1993 18
12 Smith, Troy Niagara Olympic Club ON 27:06 1995 16
13 Bellemore, Corey Windsor Legion Track & Field ON 27:07 1994 16
14 Kent, Justin Coastal Track Club BC 27:21 1992 19
15 Brown, Dylan Newmarket Huskies Track Club ON 27:23 1993 18
16 Aulagnon, Dominique Lakehead Athletics Club ON 27:27 1993 18
17 Vincent, Samuel Bison Track and Field MB 27:30 1992 19
18 Williams, Jack University of British Columbia BC 27:30 1993 18
19 Baxter, Samuel Tri City Track Club ON 27:31 1994 17
20 Eiswerth, Alexander Excel Athletica SK 27:33 1995 16

Angel Piccirillo Wins Foot Locker Northeast Regional Crown

Already wondering how Villanova will replace 6 All-American certificates in cross country as Sheila Reid and Bogdana Mimic exit the scene, good news was delivered by Villanova signee Angel Piccirillo of Homer City, PA. At the Foot Locker Northeast Regional in King's Park, New York, Piccarillo won the seeded girls' race by four seconds, covering the 5000 meter course in 18:01 (a 5:49 per mile pace). In the race, New Yorker Laura Leff led until late in the race, and Oregon-bound Abbey Leonardi had the lead heading into the final home straight, but Piccirillo kicked to the win in 18:01.4. This places her 3rd all time at Sunken Meadows behind 2-time-Foot Locker champ Aisling Cuffe's winning times of 17:45.9 and 17:50.9 the past 2 years. It's the second trip to San Diego for Pennsylvania champion Piccirillo (she was 6th at the NE regional last year) and the third for Maine champion Leonardi.

Interesting tidbits: (1) Aisling Cuffe's younger sister Dara, a freshman, finished 86th in the race; (2) highly ranked at #14 nationally, Megan Lacy of Marlton, NJ could do no better than 11th, and failed to qualify for the national championship race; (3) second-place finisher Abbey Leonardi, ranked #9 in the country by MileSplit, recently committed to attend the University of Oregon.

Here are the results of the race:

Varsity Girls 5000 Meter Run      

1 Angel Piccirillo       12 Homer City, PA         18:01.4   5:49
2 Abbey Leonardi         12 Kennebunkport, ME      18:05.7   5:50
3 Catarina Rocha         11 Peabody, MA            18:19.9   5:55
4 Holly Bischof          12 Hainesport, NJ         18:24.9   5:56
5 Laura Leff             10 Syracuse, NY           18:26.1   5:57
6 Hannah Oneda           12 Wesminster, MD         18:26.6   5:57
7 Alexis Panisse         12 Jamaica, NY            18:29.4   5:58
8 Caroline Kellner       12 West Windsor, NJ       18:35.9   6:00
9 Meredith Speakman      12 Carlisle, PA           18:36.8   6:00
10 Tori Gerlach          12 Perkasie, PA           18:40.1   6:01
11 Megan Lacy            12 Marlton, NJ            18:44.4   6:02
12 Leila Mantilla        12 Penfield, NY           18:48.5   6:04
13 Lauren Mullins        12 Binghamton, NY         18:57.7   6:07
14 Hannah Grossman       12 Swarthmore, PA         19:02.5   6:08
15 Emily Stark           12 Concord, MA            19:02.8   6:08
16 Katie Lembo           10 Penfield, NY           19:05.8   6:09
17 Mackenzie Barry       10 Mendham, NJ            19:10.0   6:11
18 Camille Blackman      12 Longmeadow, MA         19:13.4   6:12
19 Tiana Guevara         10 Miller Place, NY       19:14.2   6:12
20 Maria Seykora         12 Broomall, PA           19:14.9   6:12
21 Meghan Lockett         9 Dickerson, MD          19:16.0   6:13
22 Dina Iacone           12 Sewell, NJ             19:16.3   6:13
23 Kennedy Weisner       10 Saint Marys, PA        19:21.0   6:14
24 Willow Parker          9 Rockport, ME           19:22.7   6:15
25 Talia Guevara         10 Miller Place, NY       19:26.6   6:16
26 Abby Seel             11 Chester, NJ            19:29.6   6:17
27 Madison Granger       12 Belchertown, MA        19:30.4   6:17
28 Abby Mace             12 Readfield, ME          19:32.7   6:18
29 Jenna Cupp            11 Newark Valley, NY      19:34.0   6:18
30 Courtney Hawkins      11 Milford, NH            19:35.8   6:19
31 Christin Bettis       12 Hammonton, NJ          19:37.6   6:19
32 Annika Gompers        10 Newton, MA             19:41.8   6:21
33 Catie Skinner         11 Philadelphia, PA       19:45.4   6:22
34 Tessa Barrett         10 Waverly, PA            19:47.9   6:23
35 Julie McConville      11 Hingham, MA            19:49.9   6:23
36 Brandy Leclair        12 Groton, CT             19:57.5   6:26
37 Reagan Kolakowski     11 Morristown, NJ         20:00.5   6:27
38 Brigid Brennan        10 Northport, NY          20:00.8   6:27
39 Marykate Surette      12 Ipswich, MA            20:04.1   6:28
40 Shannon Murdock        9 Exeter, NH             20:05.6   6:29
41 Samantha Sauer        11 Elmira Heights, NY     20:06.3   6:29
42 Alexandra Archambault 12 Strafford, NH          20:08.7   6:30
43 Tiffany Lang          12 Columbia, MD           20:10.2   6:30
44 Jenna Flickinger      12 Hummelstown, PA        20:10.9   6:30
45 Brittany Mendelson    11 Southbury, CT          20:11.1   6:30
46 Nicole Buehrle         9 Sugarloaf, PA          20:14.9   6:32
47 Allison McCurry       11 Branchville, NJ        20:16.3   6:32
48 Christine Davis       11 Acton, MA              20:19.9   6:33
49 Mary Brelsford        11 Ocean City, NJ         20:21.3   6:34
50 Paige Stoner          10 Pottsville, PA         20:22.3   6:34
51 Elizabeth McDonald    12 Bryn Mawr, PA          20:24.2   6:35
52 Marella Angello       12 Boyertown, PA          20:25.1   6:35
53 Shannon Hickey        12 South Easton, MA       20:28.3   6:36
54 Ashley Carle          12 Jackson, NJ            20:32.8   6:37
55 Sarah Keiran          11 Rowley, MA             20:35.8   6:38
56 Jazmin Booker         12 Philadelphia, PA       20:37.1   6:39
57 Devon Greenwood       11 Easthampton, MA        20:38.5   6:39
58 Christina Melian      12 Staten Island, NY      20:39.8   6:40
59 Alexandra Buonfiglio  11 Lynnfield, MA          20:42.5   6:40
60 Lee Milne             11 Dover, MA              20:43.5   6:41
61 Madeleine Dwortz      11 Marblehead, MA         20:45.8   6:41
62 Laura Broderick       10 Kennebunkport, ME      20:47.1   6:42
63 Abbey Murphy          12 Belmont, MA            20:47.3   6:42
64 Maria Snyder          11 Woodbury, PA           20:51.4   6:43
65 Holly Cook            12 Bel Air, MD            20:51.5   6:43
66 Lizzie McDermott      11 Wilmington, MA         21:03.9   6:47
67 Manon Blackman        10 Longmeadow, MA         21:06.2   6:48
68 Kathleen Kalbian      11 Cheshire, CT           21:07.5   6:48
69 Sara Iannone          11 Thomaston, CT          21:09.2   6:49
70 Morgana D'Ottavi      10 Silver Spring, MD      21:11.9   6:50
71 Alexandra Kaeslin     12 Bethel, CT             21:13.7   6:50
72 Tori Wickenheisser    12 Cheshire, CT           21:17.1   6:52
73 Dana Cerroni          12 Sharon, PA             21:21.3   6:53
74 Sydney Shaw           10 Delmar, NY             21:24.6   6:54
75 Angie Marchetti       10 Hazleton, PA           21:25.9   6:54
76 Amber Goodspeed       12 Middletown, NY         21:29.6   6:56
77 Aubrie Russell        12 Candor, NY             21:31.1   6:56
78 Kirsten McMichael      9 Eighty-Four, PA        21:37.2   6:58
79 Amanda Quaglia        12 Reading, PA            21:37.5   6:58
80 Maggie Christe        11 Brookfield, CT         21:44.3   7:00
81 Carly Schuyler        10 Bethel, CT             21:55.0   7:04
82 Ajee Wilson           12 Neptune, NJ            21:58.2   7:05
83 Brianna Heikkinen     12 Leola, PA              22:02.6   7:06
84 Rachel Levy           12 East Meadow, NY        22:31.6   7:16
85 Becky Marchetti       10 Hazleton, PA           22:51.3   7:22
86 Dara Cuffe             9 Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY 23:19.7   7:31

Photo Gallery: Sheila Reid Wins #2

Frances Koons 5th at Manchester Road Race

Former 8-time Villanova all-american Frances Koons finished 5th today at the 75th annual Manchester (CT) Road Race (4.75 miles). She was the 2nd American female finisher.

Top 10 Women
1.    24:22   5:08    Sally Kipyego           25  KENYA 
2.    25:03   5:17    Meghan Armstrong-Peyton 25  USA 
3.    25:15   5:19    Alemtsehay Misganaw     31  ETHIOPIA 
4.    25:15   5:19    Bedada Bekelech         20  ETHIOPIA 
5.    25:27   5:22    Frances Koons           25  USA 
6.    25:27   5:22    Stephanie Pezzullo      28  USA 
7.    25:37   5:24    Amy Mortimer            30  USA 
8.    25:43   5:25    Atalelech Asfaw         28  USA 
9.    25:46   5:26    Ashley Higginson        22  USA 
10.   25:50   5:27    Jenn Donovan            29  USA