Last year at this time, then Conestoga senior Liz Costello was basking in the sunshine and deserved attention in San Diego at the Foot Locker Nationals. She had won the AAA state championship a month earlier and set a meet record at the original 2001-2005 Hershey course that is now officially retired. Costello finished her great senior year with a state indoor title in the 3000 to go with a Millrose Mile invitation; a state title in the 1600 in outdoor, and then a big PR with a 4:29.36 1500 at USATF Junior Nationals, good for 5th place. Costello had gone early decision at Princeton, and scored all season this fall for the Tigers, who finished what she termed a \'disappointing\' 23rd. Costello\'s best race of the season was the Paul Short Run in late September, where she ran 2nd on the team, finishing 9th overall. She was injured in the race, but survived the year to get to her first NCAA Championships. Her team is young - their recruiting class looks as good as last year - and Costello has high expectations for herself and her new team. PennTrackXC.com borrowed some of her time to talk about her season, her team and her adjustment to a major college program at the Ivy League school.
Coverage
In New York, Neely Spence tuned up for the upcoming Foot Locker Regionals with a very quick 17:38 at the NEW YORK ROADRUNNERS XC CHAMPIONSHIPS. Lara Crofford was the 2nd woman in the race. Terence Lee, Engineering & Science, was 3rd overall in 16:20. Frances Koons dominated the NCAA DIVISION I MID ATLANTAIC REGION. Rachel Papin and Leanna Nastase will join her in Indiana for the NCAA Championships. Dan Mazzocco qualified individually. Steve Hallinan led American to an auto bid with his 6th place in the meet at Lock Haven University.
West Virginia University women place 4th, Marshall University women finished 26th and the Marshall men placed 17th. Tad Davis provided the WVU recap portion that follows.
Photos of PA high school graduates competing for their collegiate teams at the 2006 NCAA Division I Mid-Atlantic Regional at Lock Haven University (hosted by Bucknell University)