FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

USTFCCCA Release

Mar. 9, 2011-- North Central College distance runner Amanda Laesch has been honored by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association as the Midwest Region Runner of the Year on Wednesday.

Laesch earns the accolade after earning a clean sweep of the distance events at the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Championships. The senior obliterated the conference and school record in the 5,000-meters on Feb. 25, winning the race in 17:16.02 before earning the win in the mile the following day in 5:08.54. Laesch completed the meet with a triumph in the 3,000-meters, crossing the finish in 10:21.05. Her performance at the conference meet helped the Cardinals claim their first CCIW crown since 2007 and earned her CCIW Track Athlete of the Meet honors.

On the national level, Laesch holds the 13th fastest time in the 5K heading into the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships while also a member of the Cardinals fifth ranked distance medley relay team.

Laesch will compete in both the 5K and the DMR at nationals on Friday and Saturday in Columbus, Ohio. The DMR is slated to get underway at 7:55 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Friday while competing in the 5,000-meters at 6:40 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Saturday.