McKay Finishes 72nd at 2008 NCAA Cross Country Championships

Monday, November 24

Terre Haute, Ind.

12:08 PM

University of Louisville

NCAA Championships

McKay Finishes 72nd at 2008 NCAA Cross Country Championships

November 24, 2008 | Women's Cross Country

Nov. 24, 2008

Terre Haute, Ind. - University of Louisville junior Tarah McKay finished 72nd on Monday at the 2008 NCAA Cross Country Championships held at the LaVern Gibson Championship Course in Terre Haute, Ind.

"McKay made women's program history and I am very proud of all that she has accomplished this season," said U of L head coach Brice Allen. "She has been a joy to coach and I am happy for her success."

McKay, a three-time All-BIG EAST and All-Region performer, earned the Cardinal women's individual highest finish ever at the NCAA Championships by placing 72nd out of 252 competitors. She completed the 6,000-meter course in 20:59.1, topping her previous time of 22:11.60 during the 2006 championships when she placed 106th. Texas Tech's Sally Kipyego captured the women's individual title with a time of 19:28.1.

The Cards have been the beneficiaries of McKay who has won two meet titles this season, Mid-America Opener and Navy Invitational, while finishing as runner-up at the Greater Louisville Classic. She placed 10th at the BIG EAST Championships and fifth at the NCAA Regionals.

"Tarah [McKay] still has one more event to compete in so the season is not yet over for her," said Allen. "She has five days to prepare for the Canadian Championships on Saturday and I am confident she will be ready to go."

McKay will compete at the 2008 AGSI Canadian Cross Country Championships on Saturday, November 29 in Guelph, Ont. The 7k senior women's championship race is set to begin at 1:30 p.m. ET.

NCAA ChampionshipsLaVern Gibson Championship Course - Terre Haute, Ind. - Nov. 24, 2008Women: 6 kmU of L Women's Individual Finishers (Field of 252)72. Tarah McKay    20:59.1