The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Cross Country Receives Highest-Ever Ranking
11/3/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
Nov. 3, 2005
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- After an historic performance at the Conference USA Championships, the UAB cross country team has been ranked fourth in the South Region by the Women's Intercollegiate Cross Country Coaches Association. The ranking is the highest ever for the Blazers.
Tennessee is ranked No. 1 in the region, with Florida State and Georgia rounding out the top three. UAB is ranked ahead of fifth-ranked Florida. The rankings include all schools in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.
"We have reached the spot in the polls that I felt we could have been earlier," said UAB head coach Ray Stanfield. "With the injuries and sickness behind us, we are anxious to back up that ranking at Regionals in Florida."
UAB is coming off its best finish ever at the C-USA Championships, as the Blazers placed second overall and junior Elizabeth Ambrus took the individual title Saturday at Disney's Wide World of Sports® Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Ambrus is the first UAB runner to win the individual title. Ambrus secured the women's 5K race with a strong final push to the finish line, as she caught Rice's Kate Gorry in the final 100 meters to earn the top spot and all-conference honors.
Additionally, sophomore Elizabeth Hilligoss earned a spot on the All-Conference USA second team, while Whitney Mays and Jakia Williams were named third team all-conference. Williams was also named Freshman of the Year by the conference making her the second-straight Blazer to receive the award, as Hilligoss was the 2004 winner.
The Blazers now have a week off before heading to Gainesville, Fla., for the South Region Championships on Nov. 12. In 2004, UAB placed ninth in the championships, as Hilligoss led the Blazers, finishing 23rd overall.
