2013 Utah Cross Country Media Guide

2013 schedule Aug. 31

Utah State Openpm

Oct. 19

NCAA Pre-Nationals

Sept. 6

Utah Open (Murray Park)

Nov. 2

Pac-12 Championships

Sept. 21

Montana State Bobcat Invitational

Nov. 15

NCAA Regional Championships

Sept. 28

Stanford Invitational

Nov. 23

NCAA Championships

3pm

home meet in red

UTAH CROSS COUNTRY

The University of Utah • Ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, the University of Utah prepares students to live and compete in the global workplace. The U. has earned a top-tier grading from the Academic Ranking of World Universities for 10 consecutive years.

Founded in 1850, the University of Utah encompasses 1,500 acres in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountain range. Located just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City and world-class ski resorts, the U’s picturesque campus offers incomparable views of the Salt Lake valley.

Home to a student population of over 32,000, the U offers more than 100 undergraduate and over 90 graduate level fields of study. Among the U’s nationally-ranked programs are law, pharmacy, mathematics, business, biomedical engineering and family medicine. In 2013, entertainment arts and engineering was ranked first in the country. Students in the 2013 graduating class came from every state and 83 foreign countries.

Utah ranks among the top public research universities in the nation. University of Utah geneticist Mario R. Capecchi, one of many acclaimed faculty members, received the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on gene targeting. Peter J. Stang, distinguished professor of chemistry, received the 2013 Priestley Medal and 2011 National Medal of Science for his pioneering work in supramolecular chemistry.

The University of Utah has been the first or second university for startups for the last six years. With universitydeveloped research or technology, the U has launched over 140 new startups during that time. The U was honored at the 2012 Utah Genius Awards for most U.S. patents of any company (49); Stephen Jacobsen, distinguished professor of mechanical engineering, won the lifetime achievement award.

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In 2013, University of Utah Health Care was named one of the “100 Great Hospitals in America,” and in 2011 ranked in the top 10 in the nation for quality among academic medical centers for the second year running. The Eccles Institute of Human Genetics is one of several innovative medical programs at the U. Others include the Huntsman Cancer Institute—a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center—the Moran Eye Center and the Brain Institute. The U’s David Eccles School of Business has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the most popular business schools in the nation.

The U is also noted for its work in technology and computer sciences. The University’s School of Computing was founded in 1965, and began a pioneering legacy in computer graphics and visualization that continues today.

The internationally-recognized Scientific Computing & Imaging Institute is a leader in creating new scientific computing techniques, tools and systems to help solve wide-ranging challenges of human life.

A lively residential living experience is provided in the beautiful Heritage Commons, which served as the Athletes Village for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The Donna Garff Marriott Honors Residential Scholars Community opened in September 2012, while the George S. Eccles Student Life Center is projected to open in December 2014.

The U’s location in the largest city in the Intermountain West, with a metro population of over one million, allows for an urban experience in a spectacular natural setting. The U is home to the state’s natural history and fine arts museums, and well as premier concert and theater venues: Kingsbury Hall, Libby Gardner Hall and the Pioneer Memorial Theater.

Salt Lake City

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• Home to the University of Utah and the state’s capital city, Salt Lake City blends the amenities of a major metropolitan area with beautiful natural surroundings.

• Featuring the 11,000-foot peaks of the Wasatch Mountains to the east, and the Oquirrh Mountains and the Great Salt Lake to the west, Salt Lake City is surrounded by majestic views in all directions. Its metro area ranks in the top 50 in the United States with a population of 1,124,197. Yet, Salt Lake City maintains the charm of a small western city.

• Living in Salt Lake: Salt Lake City ranks among the nation’s top cities for literacy rate, percentage of high school graduates and percentage of college-educated citizens. It is the largest city in the state with 189,314 residents according to 2012 census figures. Six of its suburbs rank among the fastest growing cities in the nation from 2010-12. Salt Lake has a moderate four-season climate with an average 237 days of sunshine and 15% humidity.

• Business: Salt Lake City was ranked as the “No. 5 Best City for the Next Decade” by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine in June 2010. In April 2013, Kiplinger’s ranked Salt Lake “Best City for New College Graduates.” It was named the third-best big city for jobs and fourth-best city for tech jobs by Forbes Magazine in May 2012. The magazine also recognized Utah as the “Best State for Business and Careers” for the third straight year in December 2012.

• Outdoor Recreation: Some of the best skiing, fly fishing, backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing and river running found anywhere in the world is easily accessible. Seven major ski resorts are within a 30-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City. Alta/Snowbird was ranked the No. 2 ski resort in the U.S. by Forbes in December 2012. National Geographic named Salt Lake “America’s Best Hiking City” in May 2012. Ten national parks are within a day’s drive.

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• Entertainment: Cultural and ethnic activities flourish in Salt Lake City and its vibrant downtown features dining, shopping, music and ethnic festivals, art galleries, professional symphony, opera, theater and dance.

• Salt Lake City was host to the 2002 Winter Olympics. Opening and closing ceremonies and the athletes’ village were on the University of Utah campus. Salt Lake City joins forces with the nearby resort town of Park City to host the annual Sundance Film Festival.

• Professional sports provide yet another source of entertainment. Professional franchises in Salt Lake City include the Utah Jazz of the NBA, Real Salt Lake (Major League Soccer) and the Utah Blaze (Arena Football League). Other pro franchises are the Salt Lake Bees (AAA baseball) and the Utah Grizzlies (hockey).

• Transportation: Salt Lake International Airport, a Delta Airlines and hub, is located just 20 minutes from campus. It ranks as one of the top 100 airports in the world by Skytrax and the 23rd-busiest airport in the U.S. • TRAX light rail provides access to downtown Salt Lake, the University of Utah, the airport and many of the suburbs. FrontRunner commuter rail offers service from Ogden to Provo.

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Pac-12 Conference

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The Utah Experience

UTAH CROSS COUNTRY

Utah cross country student-athletes have access to some of the finest support services and facilities in the nation.

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Quick Facts and Schedule University of Utah Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Metro Population: 1,124,197 Elevation: 4,657 feet above sea level President: David W. Pershing Athletics Director: Chris Hill, Ph.D. Founded: 1850 Enrollment: 32,388 Nickname: Utes Colors: Crimson and White Mascot: Swoop (Red-Tailed Hawk) Facilities: McCarthey Family Outdoor Track & Field Complex, Olympic Oval and Rose Park Golf Course Web Site: www.UtahUtes.com Conference: Pac-12 Affiliation: NCAA Division I

Coaching Staff Head Coach: Kyle Kepler

Alma Mater: Northern Iowa, 1998/2004

Office Phone: 801.585.6858

E-mail: kkepler@huntsman.utah.edu Student Assistant Coach: Amanda Mergaert

2012 in Review Pac-12 Finish: 7th NCAA Regional Finish: 6th Top Utah Individual: Amanda Mergaert

2013 Schedule

Date

Opponent

Location

Aug. 31

Utah State Open

Logan, Utah

Sept. 6

Utah Open

Salt Lake City, Utah

Sept. 21

Montana State Bobcat Invitational

Bozeman, Mont.

Sept. 28

Stanford Invitational

Palo Alto, Calif.

Oct. 19

NCAA Pre-Nationals

Terre Haute, Ind.

Nov. 2

Pac-12 Championships

Boulder, Colo.

Nov. 15

NCAA Mountain Regional

Ogden, Utah

Nov. 23

NCAA Championships

Terre Haute, Ind.

Utah Athletic Communications Associate AD/Director: Liz Abel Associate Director: Drew Wiseman Assistant Director: Brooke Frederickson Assistant Director: Mike DeVine

E-mail: mdevine@huntsman.utah.edu

Office Phone: 801.581.8997 Office Manager: Kate Sturgeon Student Assistant (XC Contact): Connor Malmberg

E-mail: cmalmberg@huntsman.utah.edu

Office Phone: 801.336.6100

Become a fan of University of Utah Track & Field on Facebook

The 2013 Cross Country Media Guide was writtern by Connor Malmberg, Communications Student Assistant. Designed and edited by Mike DeVine, Assistant Communications Director. Photography by Steve Wilson, Tom Smart, Scott Pettett,

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The Salt Lake Valley and surrounding area is considered to be one of the top 20 running cities in the United States by several of the best running publications and experts. The University of Utah distance running corp has access to some of America’s greatest running trails. These trails consist primarily of dirt, grass, crushed rock, or other runner friendly surfaces. All of these trails are located at elevations ranging from 4,500-8,000 feet. The breathtaking scenery of the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains serve as a backdrop to one of America’s most beautiful and cleanest cities -- Salt Lake City.

The Bonneville Trail runs through the university campus, university research park, above Utah’s famous Red Butte Gardens, and by Hogle Zoo. It is a dirt trail with rolling terrain and the best view of the entire valley. City Creek Canyon Trail is a popular running and biking avenue among Salt Lake locals. A portion of this trail includes running through downtown Salt Lake City, a view of the state capitol building and the World Business Center for the Church of Jesus Christ Later-Day Saints.

The canyon trail includes a path that is primarily dirt and another that is more suitable for biking. Liberty Park is another training favorite among the U’s distance runners. It includes a 1.45 mile woodchip running trail where various workouts are performed. Pipeline Trail is located in Millcreek Canyon which is only 15 minutes from the University of Utah campus. This out-and-back, 11-mile roundtrip trail is located at 6,000 feet elevation.

The greenery of the canyon is surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks and combines an incredible view of the Salt Lake Valley at trail’s end.

Finally, the running trails in the Park City vicinity are some of the world’s premier running trails. Located at nearly 7,000-foot elevation, these trails provide an extensive system of training ground surrounded by the pristine views of the Wasatch Mountains, Silver Spring Lake, and America’s tourist delight - Park City, Utah.

City Creek Canyon Trail is a popular running and biking avenue among Salt Lake locals. A portion of this trail includes running downtown Salt Lake City, a view of the state capitol building.

Credits:

Cover design by Mike DeVine.

Venues

Follow Coach Kep’s Blog at http://www.utahtrackxc.blogspot.com/

Follow Utah Track & Field on Twitter @Utah_trackfield

Utah Olympic Oval, Salt Lake Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and Utah Travel Council.

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Watch memorable races at UtahTrack

The Bonneville Trail runs through the university campus, university research park, above Utah’s famous Red Butte Gardens, and by Hogle Zoo. It is a dirt trail with rolling terrain and the best view of the entire valley.

The running trails in the Park City vicinity are some of the world’s premier running trails. Located at nearly 7,000 foot elevation, these trails provide an extensive system of training ground surrounded by the pristine views of the Wasatch Mountains, Silver Spring Lake, and Park City.

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2013 Outlook

Roster

Fresh off a successful campaign in 2012, the University of Utah women’s cross country team has reloaded for another season of accomplishments in 2013. Under the direction of ninth-year head coach Kyle Kepler, the Utes are looking to break into the upper-echelon of teams in the Pac-12 Conference.

“We compete in the toughest conference in the nation,” Kepler stated. “In the Pac-12, teams don’t rebuild, but just keep reloading with premier athletes. Our goal is to continue moving up in the Pac-12 standings and keep pushing to qualify as a team for the NCAA Championships.”

“Our team fully understands that they are competing in the best league in the country,” Kepler continued. “Competing at this level requires doing everything at the highest level, even the smallest of things have to be done right. In the long run, this prepares them for the real challenges which occur throughout their lives. They have become accustomed to higher expectations and having to give greater effort to achieve their goals.”

Back Row (L to R): Hannah McInturff, Makenzie Clark, Andrea Chavez, Nicole Rietz, Kyle Kepler (Head Coach).

Middle Row (L to R): Hanah Kropf (Trainer), Becky Sarmiento, Susannah Hurst, Alyssa Stetler, Jessica Sams, Amanda Mergaert (Coach), Front Row (L to R): Heather Elliott (Trainer)Alex Shaw, Hilary Troutner, Rebekah Winterton, Giselle Slotboom, AuraLea Fain, Dana Snell.

Roster

The 2013 season provides its own challenges as the Utes have to replace cross country All-American Amanda Mergaert, who now is a student assistant coach for the team. Fortunately for the Utes, juniors Susannah Hurst and Rebekah Winterton are returning with another year of experience behind them.

“We simply talk about being the next person to step up,” Kepler said. “Don’t try to be the next Amanda, just be you and do things the right way. Everyday, keep the focus on reaching your potential through consistency, discipline, and perseverance.”

Coming off a 28th-place performance at the 2012 Pac-12 Cross Country Championships, Hurst is set for the task of taking the reigns as the leader for a younger Utah team. Hurst continued her momentum into the 2013 track season finishing eighth in the 5,000 meter at the MPSF Championships followed by an NCAA Championships qualifying bid in the 10,000 meter during the outdoor season.

Name

Yr.

Hometown/Previous School

Andrea Chavez

R-So.

Ogden, Utah/ Ogden HS

Makenzie Clark

Fr.

Bountiful, Utah/ Woods Cross HS

AuraLea Fain

R-Jr.

Billings, Mont./ Senior HS

Susannah Hurst

Jr.

Salt Lake City, Utah/ East HS

Hannah McInturff

Fr.

Pocatello, Idaho/ Century HS

Lauren Mills

Jr.

Aurora, Colo./ Smoky Hill HS

Nicole Rietz

Jr.

Billings, Mont./ West HS

“We have a very good nucleus of returners who are providing leadership and guidance for the rest of our group,” Kepler said. “We have some potential to run near the front of races with Susannah and Rebekah.

However, we are going to have to run a more group-oriented race if we are going to achieve at the level we expect to this year.”

Jessica Sams

Fr.

Ogden, Utah/ Ogden HS

The Utes will also be complimented by the talent of five freshmen joining the squad.

Becky Sarmiento

Fr.

Orange, Calif./El Modena HS

Alex Shaw

R-So.

Ogden, Utah/ St. Joseph’s HS

In the first two meets of the 2013 season, freshman Becky Sarmiento has already made an impact on the team. Her performances at the Utah State Invitational and Utah Open have pitted her as the third runner on the roster.

Giselle Slotboom

Jr.

Sassenheim, Netherlands/ Jacksonville State

Dana Snell

Fr.

Meridian, Idaho/ Rocky Mountain HS

Alyssa Stetler

R-Fr.

Elko, Nev./ Elko HS

Hilary Troutner

Sr.

Provo, Utah/ Timpview HS

Rebekah Winterton

R-Jr.

Salt Lake City, Utah/ Skyline HS

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Alongside Hurst at the head of the pack will be Winterton, who returns after redshirting in 2012. Before redshirting due to injury, Winterton was Utah’s third top-runner in a line-up with two of Utah’s all-time top runners, Alyssa Abbott and Mergaert. Winterton will compete for the top spot as well as add needed depth and experience to the roster. During the 2013 outdoor track season, Winterton showcased her ability to compete with the top runners in the Pac-12, finishing sixth in the 10,000 meter race at the conference championships.

As the Pac-12 Championships get closer, Kepler and his staff are looking for the emergence of veterans Nikki Rietz, Andrea Chavez and AuraLea Fain to fill the vacant spots in the lineup. All three have contributed in previous seasons, so the battle will be wide open for the third through fifth runners.

“We have an opportunity to have a team with more defined groups than we have in the past,” Kepler said. “Team chemistry is always a work in progress and slightly different each year. Last year, we had two very vocal leaders in Amanda and Megan. This year, the leadership comes more in the form of action.

Our upperclassmen have shown great patience with our younger athletes and have tried to be helpful in everything they do.”

Kyle Kepler Head Coach

Ninth Year Northern Iowa, 1998/2004 Kyle Kepler is heading into his ninth year as the head coach of the University of Utah women’s cross country and track & field programs. Kepler’s organization and attention to detail have allowed him to develop a solid foundation and create a competitive program that has steadily improved each year. In 15 years of coaching at the NCAA Division I level, Kepler has seen 33 conference champions, 148 all-conference athletes, 59 NCAA qualifiers, 30 NCAA finals qualifiers, and 12 NCAA AllAmericans. Kepler’s influence on his student-athletes is not just visible on the track, but also in the classroom. The women’s cross country squad has been honored by USTFCCCA as an All-Academic Team seven out of the previous eight seasons with the 2012 team posting a GPA of 3.317.

The track and field team has been a USTFCCCA All-Academic team during six of the previous eight seasons with the 2013 team posting a GPA of 3.171.

2012-13 Under Kepler’s direction, the 2012 women’s cross country team posted a monumental season. Senior Amanda Mergaert qualified for her third consecutive NCAA Championships and became the first All-American from Utah in 25 years. Kepler also coached the Utes to a sixth-place finish at the NCAA Mountain Regional, which marked the second-highest finish for the Utes in school history, as well as the first time in program history that Utah defeated in-state rival BYU at the regional meet.

The team continued its success into the indoor season. At the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships, the Utes earned 10th place, but were again led by the resilience of Mergaert, who capped off the outdoor season with an AllAmerican fifth-place performance in the mile.

The team continued to succeed as it moved outdoors and into Pac-12 Conference competition. In the second season as a member of the conference, Utah captured 11th place and qualified 10 athletes for the NCAA First/Second Rounds. The season again concluded with Mergaert eclipsing her own school record to earn All-American honors. Off the track, Kepler saw19 student-athletes receive Pac-12 academic honors.

Personal Prior to coming to Utah, Kepler served as Northern Iowa’s head men’s and women’s cross country coach and assistant track and field coach for two seasons.

He was on staff at UNI for a total of seven years, serving as an assistant cross country coach for five years prior to being named head coach in 2003. Kepler was named the Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2003 after leading the Panthers to an MVC title. The Panthers won 12 MVC titles among cross country and indoor and outdoor track during his tenure with the Panthers.

Kepler has coached 10 NCAA Division I All-America athletes and has had 22 of his athletes qualify for the NCAA Cross Country or Track and Field Championships.

He served as the meet manager for the 2003 NCAA Cross Country Championships and Pre-Nationals meet. Kepler was also named the meet director of the annual A. D. Dickinson Relays, one of the largest high school indoor meets in the nation.

Kepler holds both Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the Northern Iowa. He earned his Master’s degree in physical education in 2004 and graduated with a Bachelor’s in secondary education-geography in 1998.

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UTAH CROSS COUNTRY

What They’re Saying

Trevor Jameson Director of Sports Medicine • University of Utah

“Coach Kepler is a great coach. He truly cares about all of his athletes and keeps himself well informed on their injuries and limitations. More than any coach I have worked with, he has been able to help his athletes continue to train and improve despite what injuries they may have. He is able to help motivate his athletes to find their best and be self-motivated to work at achieving their best. I consider him a friend and love to work with him and the athletes in his program because they demand so much of themselves.”

Tony Bussan Head Cross Country and Track Coach • Webster City Schools, Webster City, Iowa President of the Iowa Association of Track Coaches “From the moment he showed up on my front porch as a high school freshman, through an outstanding high school and collegiate running career, to assistant and head coaching duties at the University of Northern Iowa (which included serving as the director of the NCAA Division I Championships) to now leading the up-and-coming Utah program, Kyle Kepler has been a proven winner, team leader, and program developer. His intense commitment to excellence for each individual and the team as a whole allows him to foster the relationships and development among his squads that create excitement and success.”

Beth Wolfgram CSCS, MS, RD, CD Sports Nutritionist, University of Utah Athletic Department • Adjunct Faculty University of Utah Division of Nutrition “[Kepler] is very dedicated to the overall health and well-being of his team and he has made performance related nutrition a priority for his athletes. [Kepler] continues to involve me with the team and individual athletes he is concerned about. He emphasizes an approach that focuses on both the performance of an athlete today, but also the long term health of the athlete. He is a great team player and cares so much about his athletes.”

John and Juli Abbott Parents of former athlete “Our daughter, Alyssa, ran Cross Country and Track under the guidance of Coach Kepler at the University of Utah. During this time, Kep helped her reach her potential as a runner and enthusiastically shared in all of her successes on and off the track. He understands the physiology of the female runner as well as the various psychological needs of each individual athlete. He is very approachable and genuinely concerned about all aspects of his athletes lives, especially the academic side as evidenced by the high graduation rates, the placements in top level graduate programs, and the many awards earned by his Utah student athletes.

We will continue to support Coach Kepler and the University of Utah Cross Country and Track & Field teams and look forward to many future successes” Brad Rasmussen Glenwood Girls Track and Field/Cross Country Coach • Glenwood Community Schools (Iowa) “I met “Kep” while he was an assistant coach at the University of Northern Iowa. My two sons and I attended the track and field/ cross country camp at Northern Iowa while he was there. “Kep” and I developed a lasting friendship. His coaching techniques and guidance go far beyond athletics. His personality allows him to get the best from all of the people he meets. He is very loyal to his athletes and coaches and works hard to be the best. It is an honor for me to call him friend and colleague.”

Chelsea DiGrazia Former University of Utah Track/Cross Country Athlete “I was a walk-on my freshman year when we were under the supervision of a different coach and was introduced to Coach Kep my sophomore year. Under the excellent coaching and supervision of Kep I dropped my mile time by 25 seconds, broke the school record in the mile and ran my way to an all region spot in cross country. Kep had the ability to assess each runner’s individual talents and devloped appropriate workouts accordingly. I trusted my training from Coach K and knew that if I did what he was asking, I was going to run fast. He was always attentive to each individual runner’s needs and spent time coaching each girl on the team. I feel that Kyle has a great ability to take any runner, assess their strengths and weaknesses and then train them into the best shape of their lives. He is attentive to injury and does not force training through ailments, which is key in sports like cross country and track where overuse and abuse is so common. I know that I am not alone in these opions about his coaching and have had many successful teammates who would agree. Kep took a cross country team (my sophomore year) who could barely finish a workout and turned them into a 3rd place finisher at the conference meet (my senior year) with two runners making all region and one runner making nationals. Even after my running career finished, I have watched Kep’s cross country and track programs continue to improve each year with more athletes making it to big caliper meets like Nationals every season.”

Cody Krenka Head Cross Country Coach • Head Track & Field Coach • Elko High School (Nev.) “Coach Kepler is a great coach who has an amazing ability to take a young athlete fresh out of high school and turn her in to a competitive NCAA Division 1 athlete. He realizes that each athlete has different potential and works hard to get each girl to that potential. As a distance coach for 11 years, I have had more than my fair share of athletes compete at the next level and I can honestly say that the distance program under Coach Kepler at the University of Utah is usually my highest recommendation for my female athletes.”

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Amanda Mergaert

Andrea Chavez

Student Assistant Coach

R-So. • Ogden, Utah• St. Joseph’s H.S.

Amanda Mergaert is entering her first year as a student coach, helping with the cross country team and distance athletes.

At Utah 2013 Outdoor Track: Finished seventh in the 800m with a time of 2:11.19 at the Pac-12 Championships … earned fourth at the Trojan Invitational with a time of 2:11.49 … honorable mention all-academic status from the Pac-12.

Mergaert, a native of Shelby Township, Mich., competed for the Utes from 2009-13 in cross country and track. During her time at Utah, Mergaert broke four school records, earned five All-American honors, won two conference championships (Mountain West Conference, and MPSF), and was named all-conference six times. Mergaert also became the first Utah cross country athlete to break the 20:00 6-kilometer mark, posting a career best 19:57.7 at the 2012 NCAA Championships, where she finished 14th overall and earned All-American honors.

2013 Indoor Track: Posted a season-best 800m time of 2:15.13 in a seventh-place performance at the Bronco Invitational … finished 25th in the mile with a time of 5:12.67 at the MPSF Championships … earned MPSF All-Academic honors.

During her senior year, she also finished fifth in the mile at the NCAA Indoor Championships and third in the 1500 meters at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Mergaert was one of only five athletes to earn All-American honors in all three disciplines during the same academic year.

2012 Cross Country: Finished 66th at the Pac-12 Conference Championships … earned fifth for the Utes and 84th overall at the NCAA Regional Championships … crossed the line eighth at the Montana State Bobcat Invitational.

Mergaert is pursuing a degree in physiology with a minor in chemistry.

2012 Outdoor Track: Qualified for the NCAA First Round where she finished 48th in the 800m with a time of 2:13.69 … captured 15th place at the Pac-12 Championships in the 800m, clocking a time of 2:11.58 … finished first with a personal-best time of 2:06.96 in the 800m at the Utah Spring Classic.

2012 Indoor Track: Earned14th place at the MPSF Championships in the mile with a time of 4:47 … finished second in the mile in her first collegiate race with a time of 4:52.55 at the Boise State Open … clocked a third-place time of 2:14.76 in the 800m for third at the Mountain States Games.

2011 Cross Country: Redshirt season.

High School: Member of the four-time 1A Utah state champion cross country team … won the state cross country meet during her sophomore year … finished fifth at the state cross country meet … individual state champion in the 800m … ran anchor leg of the state champion 1600m relay team … earned second place at the state cross country meet during her junior season … earned Southwest conference honors in track and field … named 1A Female Runner of the Year by Coaches Association in Utah Track and Field.

Personal: Daughter of Javier and Amada Chavez … undecided on major … hobbies include reading and spending time with family … born August 23, 1992.

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UTAH CROSS COUNTRY AuraLea Fain

Makenzie Clark

R-Jr. • Billings, Mont. • Senior H.S.

Fr. • Bountiful, Utah • Woods Cross H.S. High School: Won the title in the 800m and finished third in the mile at the region six championships … team captain of region championship team … posted a lifetime-best 800m time of 2:19 and mile time 5:14 … also competed on soccer and softball teams … earned academic all-region honors.

Personal: Daughter of Susie and Jeff Clark … majoring in exercise and sports science … hobbies include hiking, snowboarding and reading … born July 12, 1995.

At Utah 2013 Outdoor Track: Redshirt season 2013 Indoor Track: Redshirt season.

2012 Cross Country: Redshirt season.

2012 Outdoor Track: Placed 10th in the 5000m, earning a time of 17:45.52, at the Arizona State Invitational … finished seventh with a time of 36:20.51 in the 10000m race at Mt. Sac Relays.

2012 Indoor Track: Earned sixth place in her season debut at the Boise State Open, clocking a 3000m time of 10:34.23 … crossed the line 12th in the 3000m with a time of 10:32.80 at the Mountain States Games.

2011 Cross Country: Finished 34th at Utah State Open … returned from a foot injury to finish 17th at UNLV Invitational … earned 96th at Pac-12 Conference Championships.

2011 Outdoor Track: At the Arizona State Invitational, finished 15th in the 5000m with a time of 18:21.14 … clocked a 10K time of 37:30.09 at Mt. Sac Relays … earned 16th at MWC Outdoor Championships in the 10K race with a time of 41:16.25.

2011 Indoor Track: Finished seventh overall in the 3000m with a time of 10:48.81 at the Mountain States Games … clocked a 5000m time of 17:49.91 at the Flotrack Husky Classic, which is the 11th-best time in school history … earned 17th place at the MWC Indoor Championships in the 5000m.

2010 XC: Finished ninth place (21:13) at the Nevada-Reno meet … season-best (6K) performance at NCAA Pre-National meet with a time of 23:21.4 … posted a 33rd-place finish in her first collegiate race at Utah State Open … clocked a time of 23:40.6 at NCAA Region Championships.

High School: Three-time all-state cross country selection … six-time all-state track and field honoree … high school team won state championship freshman and senior years … member of 2006 team that competed at Nike Team Nationals … lettered all four years in track and cross country … personal bests include: 18:01 (3 mi.), 2:18 (800m), 5:17 ( 1 mi.), 11:33 (3200m), and 36:23 (10k) … member of National Honors Society and Environmental Club … graduated with academic honors.

Personal: Daughter of Bruce and Patty Fain ... has four siblings … majoring in exercise sport science … intends to become a Physician’s Assistant … hobbies include rock climbing, hiking, singing and slack lining … born September 12, 1991.

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Susannah Hurst

Jr. • Salt Lake City, Utah • East H.S.

At Utah 2013 Outdoor Track: Finished third with the second-fastest 10,000m time in school history 34:46.96 at Mt. Sac Relays … qualified for the NCAA First/Second Rounds in the 10k, finishing with a time of 36:42.37 … earned 10th in the 5000m at the Pac-12 Conference Championships with a time of 16:57.28 … received Pac-12 Academic Honorable Mention Honors.

2013 Indoor Track: Posted an eighth-place finish in the 5000m with a time of 16:43.50 at the MPSF Championships … clocked a season-best 3000m time of 10:04.29 to earn 37th at the Husky Invitational … earned second at the Bronco Invitational in the 3000m with a time of 10:08.15 … named to MPSF All-Academic Team.

2012 Cross Country: Finished 29th at the NCAA Regional Championships with a six-kilometer time of 21:23.8 … earned 28th at the Pac-12 Championships, finishing the course in a time of 21:06 … placed 10th at the Stanford Invitational with a time of 21:14 … posted a fourth-place finish at the Utah State Open clocking a five-kilometer time of 17:51.72 … honorable mention all-academic Pac-12.

2012 Outdoor Track: Garnered a fifth-place performance in the 5000m at the U.S Track and Field Junior Outdoor Championships, clocking a time of 17:28.56 … secured 36th place at the NCAA First and Second Round meet with a 5000m time of 16:45.63 … finished second in the 1500m with a time of 4:48.17 at the Wildcat Invitational … earned USTFCCCA All-Academic status.

2012 Indoor Track: Finished sixth in the 5000m at the MPSF Championships with a season-best time of 16:45.43 … earned 22nd in the 3000m at the MPSF Championships finishing in a personal-record time of 9:44.01 … collected a first-place finish in the 5000m at the Husky Invitational with a time of 16:52.87.

2011 Cross Country: In first collegiate race, finished second overall at Utah State Open … clocked a third-place time of 15:07 at Nevada Twilight … second overall and first collegiate athlete to finish at UNLV Invitational with a time of 18:23 … finished 45th at Pac-12 Conference Championships … finished fifth for the Utes and 80th overall at NCAA Mountain Region Championships.

High School: Four-time state qualifier in track and cross country … placed fourth in the 1600m and fifth in the 3200m her junior season at the 4A State Championships … won region cross country championship and placed third at state championships … made the Footlocker All-West Second Team and finished 22nd overall at the national meet … broke the indoor state record in the 3200m with a time of 11:01 … won state championships in the 1600m in 4:54, and 3200m during her senior season … earned the performance of the year award in track … won the 3200m at the Great Southwest track meet after her high school season ended.

Personal: Daughter of JoAnn and Wendell Hurst … born July 27, 1993 … has two older brothers and one younger sister … majoring in exercise science.

UTAHUTES.COM

UTAH CROSS COUNTRY

Hannah McInturff

Fr. • Pocatello, Idaho • Century H.S. High School: Won five state championships, three in the 800m and two 1600m, during her career … career-best 800m time was 2:14 and 1600m time of 5:04 … also competed in swimming and volleyball … member of the National Junior Honors Society.

Personal: Daughter of Don and Joyce McInturff … majoring in exercise science … hobbies include triathlons, swimming and biking … her sister, Ali, was a member of the Utah swim team and Bethany ran track at the University of Portland … born September 24, 1994.

UTAH CROSS COUNTRY

Nicole Rietz

Lauren Mills

Jr. • Billings, Mont.• West H.S.

Jr. • Aurora, Colo. • Smoky Hill H.S.

At Utah 2013 Outdoor Track: Redshirt season.

At Utah 2013 Outdoor Track: Finished 29th in the 1500m (4:45.92) at the Pac-12 Conference Championships … recorded a season-best 800m time of 2:17.14 for 12th at the Utah Spring Classic … named to Pac-12 All Academic Second-Team.

2013 Indoor Track: Redshirt season.

2012 Cross Country: Crossed the line 106th at the NCAA Regional Championships … finished 93rd at the Pac-12 Conference Championships … earned 21st at the Nevada Twilight … Honorable Mention All-Academic Pac-12.

2013 Indoor Track: Earned 24th in the mile with a time of 5:12.21 at the MPSF Championships … clocked a season-best 5:07.79 in the mile for seventh at the Bronco Invitational … received MPSF All-Academic Team honors.

2012 Outdoor Track: Posted a season-best 5000m time of 19:01.10 for seventh at the Utah Spring Classic … earned seventh in the 1500m, clocking a time of 5:03.09 at the Mark Faldmo Invitational.

2012 Cross Country: Finished 69th at the NCAA Mountain Regional Championships with a personal-record six-kilometer time of 22:20.8 … earned 79th at the Pac-12 Championships … finished 16th at the Utah State Open … named to the Pac-12 AllAcademic Second-Team.

2012 Indoor Track: Competed in one race during the season at the Boise State Open, where she finished 11th in the 3000m, posting a time of 10:56.47.

2011 Cross Country Finished 25th at Utah State Open with a time of 18:20 … was the 14th finisher at UNLV Invitational … posted a 10thplace finish at Nevada Twilight … earned the 108th spot at Pac-12 Championships.

High School: Earned first team all-city three straight years … qualified for state cross country meet four years … personal-best times include: 800m (2:22), 1600m (5:16), 3200m (11:34), and 5000m (18:44) … age-group winner at Mt. Evans Ascent in 2010 … earned AP Scholar, Faculty Scholarship Award, and Honor Roll accolades … academic all-state in track.

Personal: Daughter of Bill and Lisa Mills … majoring in meteorology … hobbies include: playing the guitar, running, and singing … inspired by Bernard Lagat and Nick Symonds.

2012 Outdoor Track: Redshirt season.

2012 Indoor Track: Redshirt season.

2011 Cross Country: Finished 105th at NCAA Mountain Region Championships with a time of 23:45.6 … finished 87th at Pac-12 Championships … earned eighth at Utah State Open with a time of 17:56 … was the 11th overall finisher at BYU Autumn Classic with a time of 18:53 … claimed the 11th spot at UNLV Invitational.

High School: Four-time state qualifier in cross country … finished fourth at the state cross country championships in junior and senior seasons … earned team’s MVP award three consecutive years … received all-state accolades 12 times (eight in track and four in cross country) … earned eight academic all-state awards … personal bests include: 400m (58.6 seconds), 800m (2:14), 1600m (5:03), 3200m (11:28), and three mile (18:01) … member of National Honor Society.

Personal: Daughter of David and Suzanne Rietz … born September 13, 1992 … exercise sports science major and prephysical therapy … enjoys horseback riding, camping, cross fit, yoga, and skiing.

UTAHUTES.COM

UTAH CROSS COUNTRY

Jessica Sams

Becky Sarmiento

Fr. • Ogden, Utah • Ogden H.S.

Fr. Orange, Calif. El Modena HS

High School: Was a member of the 2010 cross country and 2011 track state championship teams … earned four letters in both cross country and track … personal records include five-kilometer (19:02), 3200m (11:20), and 1600m (5:15) … member of National Honors Society.

Personal: Daughter of Pamela and Walter Sams … majoring in chemistry and communications … went to Japan (2013) and Guatemala (2011) on two week service missions for the Washington Heights Church.

UTAHUTES.COM

High School: Named to First-Team All-Century League twice … earned league honors in the 1600m and 3200m events … holds the school record in the 1600m (5:03) and 3200m (11:07) … received a letter four years.

Personal: Daughter of John Jr. and Theresa Sarmiento … majoring in elementary education … enjoys reading … born August 22, 1995.

UTAH CROSS COUNTRY

Alex Shaw

Giselle Slotboom

R-So. • Ogden, Utah • St. Joseph’s H.S.

Jr. • Sassenheim, Netherlands •Jacksonville State

At Utah 2013 Outdoor Track: Clocked a season-best 5:04.53 1500m at the Wildcat Invitational for 16th … finished 27th at the Utah Spring Classic in the 800m with a time of 2:28.56.

2013 Indoor Track: Finished second in the mile with a time of 5:40.77 at the Wildcat Tune-Up … earned 29th at the Bronco Invitational with a time of 5:35.79.

2012 Cross Country: Redshirt season.

2012 Outdoor Track: Redshirt season.

2012 Indoor Track: Redshirt season.

2011 Cross Country: Was the 23rd finisher at BYU Autumn Classic with a time of 19:25.4 … finished 36th at UNLV Invitational with a fivekilometer time of 20:49 … earned 32nd in first collegiate race at Utah State Open.

High School: Finished first at cross country state championships and was the state champion in the 1600m during her junior season … team won four straight cross country and three consecutive track & field state championships … earned all-state recognitions 16 times (four cross country and 12 track & field) … personal bests include: 3200m (11:24), 800m (2:22), and the 1600m (5:13).

Personal: Daughter of Ernest Villagrana and Christina Shaw … majoring in exercise science … hobbies include: snowboarding and soccer.

UTAHUTES.COM

At Utah 2013 Outdoor Track: Finished 19th in the 5000m with a time of 17:34.48 at the Pac-12 Conference Championships … was second place at the Long Beach State Invitational with a time of 17:07.15 … earned Pac-12 Academic Honorable Mention.

2013 Indoor Track: Redshirt season.

2012 Cross Country: Earned All-Region accolades for 12th-place finish at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships … finished 39th at the Pac-12 Championships, running the final 5,000m with only one shoe … placed fifth at the Montana State Bobcat Invitational … finished 45th at the NCAA Pre-Nationals.

At Jacksonville State Named Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year … finished 21st at the NCAA South Region meet … named to all-conference first team … holds nine school records (five indoor, four outdoor) … finished third in the mile and was on the distance medley relay team at the conference championships.

High School: Three-time Dutch Junior champion in the 3000m steeplechase … member of the 4x400m and 4x800m relay teams that finished second at the National Relay Junior Championships.

Personal: Daughter of William Slotboom and Eveline Botter … majoring in exercise and sports science … hobbies include: speed skating, reading, hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding.

UTAH CROSS COUNTRY

Dana Snell

Alyssa Stetler

High School: At the state championship meet, she finished runner-up in the 800m, third in the 3200m and member of the 4x800m champion relay … earned seventh at the state cross country championships … three-year team captain, four-year letter in both cross country and track … member of Rocky Mountain High School’s Hall of Fame … graduated with academic honors.

At Utah

Fr. • Meridian, Idaho • Rocky Mountain H.S.

Personal: Daughter of Cheryl and Dave Mulvihill … majoring in exercise and sports science … enjoys playing the piano … born May 27, 1995.

R-Fr. • Elko, Nev. • Elko H.S.

2013 Outdoor Track: Redshirt season.

2013 Indoor Track: Redshirt season.

2012 Cross Country: Redshirt season.

High School: State Champion in the 4x800m relay … earned a letter four years … member of two-time state championship team … was involved in choir and honors society.

Personal: Daughter of David and Paula Stetler … second of three children … undecided on major … enjoys hiking and biking … overcame serious asthma to run track … born June 22, 1994.

UTAHUTES.COM

UTAH CROSS COUNTRY

Hilary Troutner

Rebekah Winterton

At Utah: 2013 Outdoor Track: Did not compete.

At Utah 2013 Outdoor Track: Earned sixth with a 36:12.54 in the 10,000m at the Pac-12 Conference Championships scoring three team points … qualified for the NCAA First/Second Rounds finishing in a time of 37:19.54 … academic honorable mention status.

Sr. • Provo, Utah • Timpview H.S.

R-Jr. • Salt Lake City, Utah • Skyline H.S.

2013 Indoor Track: Earned 18th in the 3000m at the Bronco Invitational with a time of 11:02.99.

2012 Cross Country: Finished 98th at the Pac-12 Conference Championships … placed 26th at the Nevada Twilight … earned 66th at the Montana State Bobcat Invitational … Honorable Mention All-Academic Pac-12.

2013 Indoor Track: Finished 31st in the 3000m at the MPSF Championships with a time of 10:04.89 … clocked a season-best 9:52.73 for 26th at the Husky Invitational … earned MPSF all-academic honors.

2012 Outdoor Track: Redshirt season.

2012 Cross Country: Redshirt season.

2012 Indoor Track: Redshirt season.

2012 Outdoor Track: Redshirt season.

2011 Cross Country: Had a great start to the season, finishing fifth at the Utah State Open … posted a fourth-place time of 15:10 at Nevada Twilight … finished fifth at UNLV Invitational … was the 81st runner to finish at Pac-12 Conference Championships … concluded season with 75th-place finish at NCAA Mountain Region Championships … received Pac-12 Honorable Mention All-Academic Honors.

2011 Outdoor Track: Clocked a time of 18:49.23 in the 5000m to earn third place at the Robison Invitational … finished third overall in the 5000m race with a time of 19:13.01 at the BYU Twilight.

2011 Indoor Track: Finished 25th in the mile with a time of 5:50.82 at the Snake River Open … earned fourth place in the Open 3000m with a time of 11:10.67 at the Mountain States Games … clocked a 5:39.20 in the mile for fourth place at the Wildcat TuneUp. 2010 XC: Redshirt season.

2010 Outdoor Track: Finished third at the Robison Invitational with a time of 19:25.02 in the 5000m event … posted a personal-best 1500m time of 4:59.00 at the Mark Faldmo Invitational … in her season debut, ran a 5:12.50 (1500m) at the BYU Invitational.

2010 Indoor Track: Ran a season-best mile time of 5:47.27 at the Bengal Shoot Out… at the Bronco Invitational, finished with a personalbest time of 11:19.51 in the 3000m… clocked a 3000m time of 11:27.07 (10th place) at the Mountain States Games.

2009 XC: Finished 36th at Utah State Open (3 mi.) with a time of 19:35.8 … season-best three-mile time was at Fleet Feet invitational with a time of 19:26 for 54th place … competed at MWC Championships (6k) with a time of 24:46.8 for 61st.

High School: Personal bests include the three-mile in 18:07, 1600m in 5:23.01 and 3200m in 11:35.74 … placed second in the 2008 Foot Locker West Regional Senior Race … state qualifier in the 1600m and 3200m and 1600m medley relay … region champion in the medley relay, running the 800m … team captain for two years on track team and senior captain on the cross country team … MVP in track and cross country … Rookie of the Year in cross country during junior year.

Personal: Daughter of Stacy Devine … majoring in elementary education … hobbies include cooking, drawing, biking, camping and hiking … born January 24, 1991.

UTAHUTES.COM

2012 Indoor Track: Redshirt season.

2011 Cross Country: Was the third Utah athlete and 43rd overall finisher at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships … finished second place at Nevada Twilight … earned 37th overall at Stanford Invitational … recorded a time of 21:48.7 for 47th place at Chile Pepper Invitational … posted a 59th-place finish at Pac-12 Championships … received Pac-12 Honorable Mention All-Academic Honors.

2011 Outdoor Track: Set a personal record in the 1500m at the UVU Invitational with a time of 4:49.20 … finished with a personal-best 10km time of 36:05 at the Mt. Sac Invitational, which ranks seventh all-time in school history … earned 15th in the 10km with a time of 39:40.72 at the MWC Outdoor Championships …clocked a five-kilometer personal-best time of 17:19.00 and finished fifth overall at the U.S Outdoor Track & Field Junior Championships.

2011 Indoor Track: Finished third overall in the three-kilometer race at the Mountain States Games with a time of 10:34.26 … posted the eighth best five-kilometer time in school history with a 17:33 at the Husky Classic … ran a personal-best threekilometer time of 10:07.90 at the Husky Classic … earned 21st in the three-kilometer and 12th in the five-kilometer races at the MWC Indoor Championships.

2010 XC: Earned a third-place finish at Nevada-Reno meet with a time of 20:14 (5k) … finished 18th overall at the three-mile Montana State Bobcat Invitational with a time of 18:04 … in season debut at the Utah State Open, completed the course in 18:13.6 (3 mi.) … achieved a time of 22:33.0 (80th) at the NCAA Mountain Region Championships … received Academic All-MWC accolades.

High School: All-state two years in a row for cross country … lettered four years in cross country and track and field ... personalbest times include: 19:09 (3 mi.), 2:23 (800m), 5:28 (1 mi.), and 11:41 (2 mi.) … member of National Honor Society … was a flyer on cheerleading squad that placed first at regional and fifth at nationals.

Personal: Daughter of Reed and Sherri Winterton … studying business … hobbies include dental assisting, organizing and playing the piano … born April 19, 1992.

2012 Review Utah State Open

The University of Utah women’s cross country team got its season off to a solid start at the Utah State Aggie Invitational. Led by the performance of sophomore Susannah Hurst, the Utes captured fourth place overall.

Leading the charge for the Utes was Hurst who finished the five-kilometer course in a time of 17:51.72 claiming fourth-place overall. Making her collegiate cross-country debut, redshirt freshman Andrea Chavez finished second for the Utes and 15th overall In a time of 18:29.35. The third Ute to cross the line was Nicole Rietz finishing 16th recording a time of 18:35.23. Overall, the Utes finished fourth with a combined team score of 89 points. Finishing first was Weber State with 24 points followed by Utah Valley University (76 points) and Utah State University (81points).

Nevada Twilight

In her first collegiate race, freshman Charlotte Kuzminsky led the Utah cross country team to a third overall finish at the four-kilometer Nevada Twilight.

Kuzminsky, a San Diego native, led the charge in her collegiate debut. Posting a time of 15:11,Kuzminsky earned 12th overall and first for the Utes. Sophomore Lauren Mills finished second for the Utes and 21st overall clocking a time of 15:46. Both athletes passed multiple runners down the final stretch, helping boost the team to a third-place finish.

Finishing third for Utah and 22nd overall was Stringfelow who crossed the finish line in 15:47. Rounding out the top five finishers for the team were Hilary Troutner with a time of 15:55 (26th place), and Lucy Yates who posted a time of 16:11 (27th place).

Winning the event in overall team score was BYU with 24points. Finishing second was Nevada with a score of 38 points. The Utes captured third with 83 points, edging UNLV who had a combined total of 102 points.

Montana State Bobcat Invitational

Capping off a dominating performance,Utah went 5-0 in the dual team scoring at the Montana State Invitational. The Utes were led by freshman Giselle Slotboom’s fifth-place performance.

Utah’s top-five finishers, all finished within forty three seconds of each other, which included three runners crossing the line in the top-10 overall. Leading the surge was Slotboom with a fifth-place performance clocking a time of 17:36. Crossing second for the team and eighth overall was Andrea Chavez with a time of 17:44. The third Utah runner to finish was Susannah Hurst posting a time of 17:50 for ninth.

Utah finished the day with a 5-0 record in the dual scoring system, which takes the top-five runners from each team and scores them against the top-five finishers from another school and the lower score wins.

The Utes beat Utah State(27-28), Montana State(26-29), Wyoming(25-30), Northern Colorado(20-41), and Montana(16-45).

Unofficially the Utes won the overall team scoring, edging out Montana State 54-56.

Stanford Invitational

Making her season debut, senior Amanda Mergaert captured third place leading Utah to its second consecutive fourth-place finish at the six-kilometer Stanford Invitational.

In her first race of the season, Mergaert led the charge for the Utes. Staying with the leaders throughout the entire race, Mergaert finished third overall setting a four-second personal best performance for the course with a time of 20:23. Coming down the final stretch, Mergaert was unable to hold the second spot over Stanford’s Cayla Hatton, but she was able to edge Stanford’s Aisling Cuffe for third.

UTAH CROSS COUNTRY Pac-12 Championships

Competing in its second-ever Pac-12 Conference Championships, Utah posted a seventh-place finish. Led by the sixth-place performance of Mergaert, the Utes finished the day with 200 points edging California and Arizona State.

Overall the Utes finished the day in seventh place with 200 points, which was just 28 points shy of beating 24th ranked UCLA (172). All six teams that finished ahead of the Utes are nationally ranked in the top-24. The overall winner of the race was No. 3 Oregon with 47 points followed by No. 5 Arizona (69 points) and No. 4 Stanford with 82 points. The Utes earned the seventh spot edging California (209 points) and Arizona State (210 points).

Mergaert, a native from Shelby Township, Mich., led the team with a sixth-place performance. Finishing the six-kilometer race in a time of 20:22, Mergaert garnered All-Pac-12 Conference honors for the second consecutive year and becomes the first Utah cross country athlete to ever earn All-Pac-12 First Team accolades. Hurst finished second for the Utes and 28th overall completing the course in a lifetime-best 21:06.

NCAA Mountain Regional Championships

Utah captured sixth at the NCAA Mountain Regional meet Friday. The Utes were led by the fourth-place performance of Mergaert.

Leading the way for the team was Mergaert who finished fourth overall in a time of 20:18.7. On the final stretch of the race, Mergaert was even with Colorado’s Shalaya Kipp (20:18.1) and Weber State’s Amber Henry (20:18.4), who were able to just outstretch Mergaert for the second and third spots. However, Mergaert’s performance qualifies the senior for her third consecutive NCAA Championships.

Entering the day, the Utes were ranked seventh in the Mountain Region, however top-performances from the team rallied the Utes to a sixth-place finish. The finish is the second best in school history and the highest finish for the team since 2008 when it finished sixth. The performance also marks the first time ever that the Utes have beat in-state rival BYU at the regional meet.

Trying to make a final run at qualifying for the NCAA Championships, Slotboom finished second for the Utes and 12th overall with a time of 20:57.5. Slotboom’s performance earned all-region accolades, but is just shy of qualifying for the national meet.

NCAA Championships

Running in her final collegiate cross country race, Mergaert wrapped up her career in perfect fashion, earning All-American honors with a 14th-place performance at the NCAA Championships.

Mergaert has qualified for the NCAA Championships three consecutive seasons. In her first two attempts, Mergaert fell just shy of earning All-American accolades. However, for Mergaert third time was the charm. Mergaert wrapped up her crosscountry career posting a 14th-place finish with a six-kilometer personal-record time of 19:57.7, which earned All-American honors.

Mergaert’s performance is the highest finish ever recorded by a Utah runner at the NCAA Championships. She also becomes the first cross-country All-American from Utah in 25 years (Celsa Bowman, 1987).

Getting the six-kilometer race underway at Tom Sawyer State Park, the lead pack fired off to a quick start. Two kilometers into the race, Mergaert was in the 150th spot just waiting to make her move. During the next 2.5 kilometers, Mergaert gained 128 spots to move into the 22nd position with 1.5 kilometers remaining. On the final stretch of the race, Mergaert did not hold anything back as she passed eight more competitors crossing the finish in 14th and permanently stamping her name in the Utah record books.

2012 Pac-12 Championship Results

2012 NCAA Mountain Region Cross Country Championship Results

1. Oregon................................ 47 pts.

1.Weber State........................ 63 pts.

2. New Mexico....................... 95 pts.

3. Colorado.......................... 107 pts.

4. Southern Utah.................. 132 pts.

5. Colorado State................ 173 pts.

6.Utah....................................198 pts.

7. BYU.................................... 210 pts.

8. Northern Arizona............. 225 pts.

9. Utah Valley....................... 230 pts.

10. Utah State...................... 326 pts.

11. Air Force......................... 328 pts.

12. Idaho State.................... 343 pts.

13. Nevada.......................... 361 pts.

14. Wyoming........................ 364 pts.

15. Montana State.............. 382 pts.

16. New Mexico State......... 382 pts.

17. UTEP................................. 433 pts.

18. Northern Colorado........ 456 pts.

19. Montana........................ 555 pts.

20. Texas Tech...................... 561 pts.

2. Arizona................................ 69 pts.

Finishing second for the Utes and tenth overall was Hurst. Entering the final portion of the race, Hurst was in the middle of the pack. However, she suddenly found a burst of speed and was able to catch up with the lead pack setting a lifetime-best performance and recording a time of 21:14.

Slotboom crossed the line third for the Utes in a time of 21:33. Slotboom also had a burst of speed on the final stretch as she passed six runners to secure 18th place. Chavez was not far behind, finishing fourth for the team and 50th overall in a time of 22:04.

3. Stanford............................... 82 pts.

Stringfellow rounded out the top-five finishers, for the Utes. Stringfellow finished 107th overall clocking a time of 22:44.

6. UCLA.................................... 172 pts.

Overall, the Utes finished fourth place out of 29 teams with a combined score of 168 points. Stanford University won the meet title with a team score of 25 points.

7.Utah....................................... 200 pts.

NCAA Pre-Nationals

8. California............................. 209 pts.

Led by Mergaert’s 15th-place performance, Utah earned 15th overall at the NCAA Pre-National meet. The team finished with 489 points, missing the 13th spot by 14 points.

Mergaert led the charge for the Utes with a 15th-place performance. Battling illness throughout the week, Mergaert fought hard to finish near a personal-best time of 20:19.2. On the final stretch of the race, Mergaert was able to hold off University of Texas junior Marielle Hall, who finished in a time of 20:19.8.

Finishing second for the Utes and 45th overall was Slotboom. Passing five runners in the final 400m of the race, Slotboom clocked a lifetime-best time of 21:00.1. Hurst was the third Utah runner to cross the line. Hurst also posted a personalrecord time clocking a 21:10.7 for 64th place.

UTAHUTES.COM

4. Washington......................... 92 pts.

5. Colorado............................. 124 pts.

9. Arizona State...................... 210 pts.

10. USC.................................... 295 pts.

11. Oregon State.................... 305 pts.

12 Washington State.............. 308 pts.