Nov. 1, 2003
SAN DIEGO - The San Diego State women's cross country squad made the best of a difficult situation, posting its best finish in three seasons by coming in sixth overall (143 points) Saturday morning at the 2003 Mountain West Conference championships in Albuquerque, N.M. The Aztecs were just two points behind fifth place New Mexico (141 pts.) in a 6K race won by defending NCAA champion and No. 2 ranked Brigham Young (19 pts.).
"I'm happy with the way everyone adapted and dealt with the drama surrounding this week," SDSU coach Jennifer Nanista said.
Senior Marie Nilsson (Kil, Sweden) posted the best-ever finish and time by an Aztec at the MWC championships, coming in fourth overall in 21:53. Nilsson's finish earned her a spot on the seven-member Mountain West Conference first team, becoming the first SDSU runner so honored in the meet's five-year history. Her final time of 21:53 also matches her 2003 season best at the Stanford Invitational and ties for second-fastest in school history.
"I'm incredibly excited for Marie, who had by far, the best-ever performance by an Aztec at this meet," Nanista said. "She was able to stay strong and although she began the race conservatively, ended up running a very controlled race which allowed her to stay with the leaders."
Nilsson was helped by fellow senior Kylie Edwards (Mt. Dundeed, Australia), who came in 24th overall with a season-best time of 23:18. Junior Allison Brown (39th - 24:12), sophomore Christal Cuadra (42nd - 24:24) and redshirt freshman Christian Fairing (47th - 24:49) rounded out the Aztec top-five finishers.
BYU's Michaela Mannova claimed the individual title with a winning effort of 20:59. She was followed by teammates Laura Turner (21:16) and Breanne Sanberg (21:20), who helped the Cougars win their fifth straight MWC title in as many chances.
The Aztecs were supposed to play host to this year's conference meet, but wildfires and the ensuing poor air quality in the San Diego area earlier in the week, caused the event to be moved to Albuquerque, N.M., with just three days notice.
SDSU will take a week off to rest for the NCAA West Regional race, scheduled for Nov. 15, in Portland, Ore. The Aztecs were 18th of 28 squads at the same meet a year ago.
2003 Mountain West Conference Championships
Albuquerque, N.M. - UNM North Golf Course - 6K
Team Results
1. No. 2 Brigham Young 19 pts.
2. No. 22 Colorado State 62 pts.
3. Air Force 106 pts.
4. Utah 124 pts.
5. New Mexico 141 pts.
6. SDSU 143 pts.
7. Wyoming 159 pts.
8. UNLV 234 pts.
Women's Individual Results (SDSU only)
4. Marie Nilsson 21:53
24. Kylie Edwards 23:18
39. Allison Brown 24:12
42. Christal Cuadra 24:24
47. Christian Fairing 24:49
48. Sara Cates 24:55
53. Tina Fodor 25:26
58. Celeste Tyson 25:41
60. Angie Fitzpatrick 25:50
SDSU At the Mountain West Conference Cross Country Meet
Year Team Finish Top Aztec Finisher (Time)
2003 6th (143 pts.) 4. Marie Nilsson (21:53.00)*
2002 7th (176 pts.) 22. Jennifer Stakiw (22:36.80)
2001 7th (177 pts.) 32. Alicia Stewart (23:24.00)
2000 5th (166 pts.) 31. Kylie Edwards (23:10.20)
1999 5th (146 pts.) 16. Sophia Hawker (18:36.10)^
^ = 5K race (others 6K) * = First Team All-MWC honoree