Nov. 19, 2007

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. --- Senior Bulldog Lauren Blankenship nabbed her first All-American status in cross country on Monday as she took 24th place in the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, Ind. Blankenship became the first cross country All-American in Samford history as she ran the 6K course in 20:50. 3at the event hosted by Indiana State University.

Blankenship hung in with the top 35 within the first mile and made her move into the top 30 with one mile left in the race. In the last 400 meters, she pushed her way into the top 25 to take her final spot at 24th place.

"We are so very excited for Lauren (Blankenship)," Samford head coach Glenn McWaters said. "Lauren is Samford's very first All-American in cross country and we couldn't be more proud. It has been pleasure to work with Lauren; she is such a fun person. She wanted this last time to be her best and she did just that."

Sally Kipyego of Texas Tech won her second national championship as she led the women for the whole race. She started within a close pack but soon broke away and extended her lead, stretching that lead to about 70 yards between her and second place finished Jenny Barringer of Colorado. In third was Susan Kuijen of Florida State who finished two spots ahead of Blankenship in first place of the Regional race last week. Rounding out the top five for the women were Diana Nukuri of Iowa and Nicole Bush of Michigan State.

Blankenship was the only Ohio Valley Conference runner to compete in the NCAA Championships and the only competitor representing an Alabama school.