Bonds Finishes 61st at National Championship

Nov. 23, 2009

Women’s Results

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. –

Senior Lauren Bonds completed her cross country career with a 61st place finish at the 2009 NCAA Cross Country National Championships in Terre Haute, Ind., on Monday, Nov. 23. Bonds ran against 255 other competitors in a challenging race at the LaVern Gibson Championship Course, finishing in a 6K time of 21:02.30.

“This was a really great experience,” said Bonds. “This was my first time competing here, so I did not really know what to expect, but it was a great atmosphere. This was my last cross country race ever, so I am glad I could end my career at nationals, rather than at the regional meet.”

Despite falling in the first mile of the course, Bonds was able to recover quickly and remain in the top third of the women’s field. She posted a two-kilometer split time of 6:31, which was followed by a 4K split of 13:46. Bonds crossed the finish line in 21:02.30 to take 61st place overall.

“This was not my best day out here,” said Bonds. “I didn’t do what I wanted to do, but at the same time, I felt like I still had a good race considering everything,.”

Bonds was the first Kansas female runner to compete in the NCAA National Championships since the KU women’s team qualified in 1994.

“We are really proud of Bonds’ efforts today at nationals,” said Assistant Coach Michael Whittlesey. “I really enjoyed working with Lauren this season. Her leadership both on and off the course will certainly be missed next year.”

The team from Villanova won the women’s race with 86 total points. The Wildcats were followed by Florida State, Washington and Big 12 foe Texas Tech, who captured fourth overall. Angela Bizzarri of Illinois was crowned the 2009 individual champion, as she finished with a 6K time of 19:46.80.