NEW ORLEANS, LA- Penn State seniorTori Gerlach(Perkasie, Pa.) was named a U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Division I women's Athlete of the Week Monday, following a dominant performance Friday at the Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational.
"Thank you to the USTFCCCA for honoring Tori Gerlach and her performance this past weekend at the Spiked Shoe Invitational," said head coach John Gondak.
"She ran an outstanding race to come out on top over some very tough competition. It is great to see all of the hard work she put in this summer pay off and I know she is hungry to accomplish even more down the road."
NCAA DIVISION I WOMEN- Tori Gerlach, Penn State
Senior | Perskasie, Pennsylvania
Based on the competition level in the women's race of the Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational this past weekend, it wouldn't be a stretch to call it one of the biggest Division I Cross Country meets of the young season. After all, three quarters of the field was comprised of nationally ranked teams (No. 10 West Virginia, No. 17 Syracuse and No. 23 Penn State). Gerlach, a senior from Perskasie, Pennsylvania, made it look easy, winning the women's race by nine seconds ahead of Syracuse's Margo Malone. The victory also paced Penn State to a team title as well as move up the Regional Team Rankings (No. 4 to No. 2). Outside of a possible time trial, there won't be much racing on Penn State's schedule the rest of the month. The Nittany Lions return to action Oct. 3 at the Greater Louisville Classic.
The Nittany Lions do not compete again until Oct. 3, when they travel to Louisville, Ky., for the Greater Louisville Classic. The Greater Louisville Classic will be the first meet that will count towards NCAA Championship points, and will also serve as a preview of the NCAA championship course as Louisville, Ky. Will host the NCAA championships Nov. 21.
For more on Nittany Lion cross country, log onto www.GoPSUsports.com or follow the team on Twitter @PennStateTFXC.