Cougars to compete NCAA Nationals

PROVO, Utah – After being selected for an at large bid, the BYU women’s cross country team will travel to Terre Haute, Ind., this week to participate in the 2013 NCAA Championships.

“We are really excited for the opportunity to go to nationals and compete against the top 31 teams in the country,” head coach Patrick Shane said.  “It was our goal this year to compete at nationals. “

The women competed at the NCAA Mountain Regional Championships on Friday, Nov. 15, in Ogden, Utah, and finished in third place, behind Colorado and New Mexico.

“I am so proud of this team and how hard they worked all year long,” Shane said.  “They put their heart and soul into every workout and every race.”

The Cougars jumped back in the national rankings for the first time since the beginning of October, when they were ranked No. 26. They are now No. 30 going into the national meet.

Andrea Nelson Harrison, Nicole Nielsen, Lindsey Sowards Nielson, Natalie Shields, Makenna Smith, Rachel Stewart, and Sarah Yingling will compete in Terre Haute this weekend. Maren Fassmann and Kelsey Brown will be traveling as alternates.

The race will begin at 1:15 p.m. EST and will be broadcast live on NCAA.com.

The men's and women’s cross country teams will host an hour long youth fireside at an LDS chapel on Friday night. Spiritual messages will be shared by the athletes and coaches and all are welcome to attend. The fireside will begin at 6:30 p.m. EST.  The chapel is located at:

1845 North 6 1/2 Street
Terre Haute Ind.