Team USA Stars to Meet and Greet Junior Olympians
Posted Tuesday, 4 December, 2007
Two of America's outstanding distance runners, American record holder Dan Lincoln and national champion Katie McGregor, will be special guests at the 2007 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships presented by Finish Line this weekend in Lawrence, Kansas. The duo will be on hand to sign autographs, cheer the runners on, and participate in the commencement awards ceremonies.
More than 3,000 athletes will compete at the event, to be held December 8 at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence, Kansas.
The American record holder in the 3,000m steeplechase, Lincoln is a three-time national champion in the event. He was a three-time NCAA champion in the steeplechase and won the 2003 NCAA 10,000m title. While at the University of Arkansas, he was a 12-time All-American, including earning the honors in cross country.
"I'm excited for the athletes, because I wasn't good enough when I was their age to get these opportunities," said Lincoln. "It's so good for them to get out there and compete at the national level, making each other better. It's a chance for them to take things to another level and see what's out there for them, while having fun at the same time. I'm really looking forward to giving them all the support in the world."
McGregor won the 1998 NCAA cross country title at Rim Rock Farm, competing for the University of Michigan. McGregor was the 2005 USA 10,000m champion and has represented Team USA many times, including four appearances at the World Cross Country Championships, where her best finish was 16th in long-course (8 km) competition in 2003.
"It's a tough course, and it was fun to think of all the history there," said McGregor of the Rim Rock Farm terrain. "Now these athletes will see what it's like to be part of that. It's great for them, to get out there and have a good time and compete with some of the best athletes their age in the country. I'm excited to be part of it and get the chance to cheer them on the way fans there once cheered for us."
For more information on the 2007 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships presented by Finish Line, visit www.usatf.org
Contact:
Jill Geer
Director of Communications
USA Track & Field
317-713-4663
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