Wednesday, October 10, 2007

MACON, Ga. – From the start of the 2007 cross country season until two weeks ago, Erin Sutton dominated the headlines coming from Kennesaw State’s women’s cross country team. Since that time, Sutton missed time due to a sore leg and freshman Mackenzie Howe has turned in two of the fastest 5K times in the league this fall. She backed up her Runner of the Week award of last week by winning the award again this week the conference office announced on Wednesday.

On Saturday, at the Disney World Cross Country Classic, Howe battled the competition (over 300 runners competed in the event) and the elements (rainy conditions led to a muddy course) to finish fourth overall in a time of 18:06.45. She bested Sutton, who returned after the week off, by over 35 seconds. In being named the Runner of the Week for the second straight week, Howe became the first woman in the seven years the A-Sun has handed out weekly awards to win in consecutive weeks. Belmont’s William Kemey is the only male to pull of the back-to-back wins when he won in consecutive weeks in October of 2001. Howe will attempt for an unprecedented three-peat at the JSU Foothills Invitational in Jacksonville, Ala. this Saturday.

The Atlantic Sun Conference is a 12-member league committed to Building Winners for Life, with a focus on academic and athletic integrity and a balance between the two for the student-athlete, and maintaining a high level of sportsmanship. Headquartered in Macon, Ga., the A-Sun encompasses six of the top eight media markets in the Southeast. The A-Sun consists of some of the most dynamic private and public institutions in the region: Belmont University, Campbell University, East Tennessee State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Gardner-Webb University, Jacksonville University, Kennesaw State University, Lipscomb University, Mercer University, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina Upstate and Stetson University.

Other Top Performers

Abby Callahan, GWU (So. - North Bay, Ontario - Undeclared) -- Placed third overall at the GWU Dual Meet by finishing in 16:08 over the 4K course.

Megan Thies, FGCU (Fr. - Brandon, Fla. - Undeclared) -- For the second consecutive week, Thies set a school record with a time of 19:29 at the 5K Walt Disney World Sports Invitational on Saturday.