Sept. 9, 2010

CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Chanticleers newcomer Jamie Brusa has been named the Big South Conference Choice Hotels Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week, the League announced today. High Point’s Patrick Crawford garnered the award on the men’s side.

Brusa, a graduate student from Arlington Heights, Ill., finished fifth overall and was the fourth collegiate finisher at the Gamecock Open over the weekend. Despite the 93-degree weather, she finished the 5K course in 18:17.65 to lead the Chanticleers to second-place overall finish in the meet.

Brusa’s time was one second off of her career best of 18:16 that she established while an undergraduate at the University of Illinois in 2007.

“I am very proud of the immediate impact she has made on the team,” said head coach Alan Connie. “Jamie is going to be an important piece to the success of our team this season, from both a performance and leadership standpoint.”

Brusa and the rest of the women’s cross country team will return to action on September 17 as the host of the 6th Annual Coastal Carolina Invitational.

Big South Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week Honorable Mentions:
Alex Thomas, Presbyterian College – Ran 20:19 to break PC course record by 32 seconds, 7th fastest time in PC history.
Jeanne Stroud, Winthrop – 2nd place at WCU Invitational with 11:40 two mile time.
Jenn Klugh, Liberty – Fastest female at Virginia Tech Relays with 18:13 for two 2.5K splits.
Hannah Granger, VMI – Lead all relay members at VMI Relays with a winning time of 18:30 fort two 1.5K splits. Teamed up with Hannah Best to post fastest relay in the field with 37:44 for six miles.