Watch Live

TERRE HAUTE, Ind.- Racing in her final meet as a member of the Kennesaw State cross country team, Mackenzie Howe will compete at NCAA Nationals Monday Nov 22 in Terre Haute, Ind. As the first runner to make it to that level since transitioning to Division I, Howe looks to cap off what has been an exceptional senior season.

Earning herself a spot after an eighth place finish at NCAA South Regional, Howe will be facing off against top runners from all over the country. 2009 defending champions Villanova look to claim a second title while Florida State seeks to dethrone the Wildcats to earn their national title. While Howe may be up against the best the country has to offer, head cross country coach Stan Sims knows she is at the top of that list too.

“Her best running is yet to come,” Sims said. “Mackenzie can hold a peak for an extended time, and we feel she is still on the rise. She trusts herself and knows she is one of the best. There's nothing to prove but she has to keep her focus; be patient, but aggressive. A large group of girls will go to the front jockeying for position and momentum. We want to be in that group. This is what it is all about.”

This season has been nothing short of spectacular for Howe, who found herself achieving several personal records, an Atlantic Sun Conference Championship, a fourth All-Conference award, second straight All-Region honor and now a chance to race on the national level. Howe also has the distinct honor of being the lone representative from the A-Sun conference running at Nationals this season.
 
During the race on Monday not only will Howe be competing to be one of the top runners in the country, but if she is to finish in the top 40, she will be named to the All-America team. For Howe, the entire experience leading up to Nationals has been surreal.

“To race at Nationals is like a dream come true,” Howe said. “Having the opportunity to run with some of the fastest girls in the country is amazing. It has even more meaning because it is my senior season and my final year of cross country. I am proud of myself for getting this far and am so lucky to have such a great coach. I just have to remember that I earned my spot there and am able to race with those girls.”


Quick Facts

Event Name: NCAA National Championship

Event Date: Monday November 22, 2010

Host: Indiana State University/NCAA

Location: Wabash Valley Family Sports Center

Start Time: 12:08 P.M.

Distance: 6k

To follow the race live, click here