July 21, 2008
TOLUCA, Mexico - Rising junior Bridget Franek (Hiram, Ohio) was successful in her first appearance on the international scene last weekend, scoring runner-up honors in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, while represented the United States at the NACAC Under-23 Championships. Director of Nittany Lion track and field Beth Alford-Sullivan, who served as the head women's coach for the U.S. squad, helped lead the stars and stripes to well over 30 medals in elite competition.
"Bridget ran a great steeplechase, battling the competition and the altitude and still managed to hold on to a great competitive effort," said Sullivan. "Overall there was a strong Big Ten presence on the international team, including a one-two finish in the steeple."
Franek, competing in grueling conditions at over 8,000 feet elevation, finished the race in 11:12.65, bettering competitors from both Mexico and Canada. Michigan State's Nicole Bush run the race in 10:42.17. Franek caps off one of the most successful outdoor campaigns by a Nittany Lion distance athlete in recent history, setting a new school record in the steeplechase at 9:58.56, and earning a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships. Franek was also a Big Ten Champion, as well as an US Olympic Trials participant over the course of the season.
"It was a record-setting competition for USA Track and Field," continued Sullivan. "The US earned 62 medals, beating the old record of 58, and represented with a collegiate all-star team throughout the weekend. Being the head coach was such an exciting experience. It was an honor to represent the United States in an Olympic year and to work with the head men's coach Al Schmidt (Mississippi State) and the entire staff. Our entire team handled itself in first class many and definitely had an extremely productive experience."