Nov. 22 - They say that you can't win every time out…but so far in 2008 Oberlin sophomore Joanna Johnson has done just that. After winning the 2008 NCAC Women's Cross Country Championship and the Great Lakes Region individual title, Johnson was on her way to her second national cross country meet, having placed first in every meet she competed in this year. Unlike a year ago Johnson was accompanied by more than just her coaching staff at the national meet, Oberlin senior Nicky Ouellet also qualified as an individual this year.

The two harriers ran strong races in the elite field of runners from across the country. And although Johnson did not win this time out, she proved that she is one of the best NCAA Division III Cross Country runners in the country. Johnson finished the 6k course in a time of 21:37.7, which was good for 32nd place and a spot on the 2008 NCAA Division III Women's All-American Team.

Head Coach Ray Appenheimer said, “Johnson really ran a good race. She has had a tremendous season pushing herself in every meet and it is exciting to see her achieve this All-American award…the first of her career, and with her talent and dedication there are likely to be more of those awards in her bright future.”

Johnson's time was more than a minute faster than her first Cross Country national meet in 2007. As a freshman she finished in 89th place in a time of 22:53.7.

Oullett also ran a strong race finishing with a time of 23:53.42 and a 243rd place finish in the crowded field. Coach Appenheimer said, “I hope that Nicky had a great experience at Nationals. Racing here today was a testament to the hard work that she has put forth and to all that she has given to this program. Having two individuals represent Oberlin so well here today says a lot about Joanna and Nicky, as well as the work our entire team has done all year.”

Individual and Team Results for the National Meet can be found at the following link:

http://ustfccca.cstv.com/ot/xc-champs-2008.html