11-27-2007

INDIANAPOLIS - Josh McDougal has been named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after winning the men's NCAA Division I Cross Country Championship Monday, November 19 at the LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Ind.

A senior at Liberty University, McDougal out-kicked Galen Rupp of Oregon in the men's 10 km race in a thrilling homestretch battle, crossing the finish line in 29 minutes 22 seconds. Rupp finished just one second behind in 29:23. McDougal is the first Liberty athlete to win an NCAA Cross Country title.

Now in its sixth year, USATF's Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.