Emory Women's Cross Team Announces 2008 Award Winners

The Emory University women's cross country team has announced the program's award winners for the 2008 season.

Senior Melissa Jones (Zionsville, IN) was named the Most Valuable Runner after ranking as the Eagles' top runner in five of the seven races she took part in.  Jones paced the Emory contingent and earned all-region kudos after posting a sixth-place finish out of 169 competitors at the NCAA South/Southeast Regional.  She also captured First Team All-University Athletic Association honors after crossing the finish line in sixth position.

After scoring points in all eight of the events she participated in, junior Rebecca Flink (Loudonville, NY) was selected as the Most Improved Runner.  One of Flink's highlights during the year took place at the NCAA South/Southeast Regional Championships where she was the No. 2 Eagle to finish and eighth out of 169 entries en route to bringing home all-region acclaim.

Freshman Tess Gallegos (Kennesaw, GA) was recognized for her contributions and chosen as the team's Rookie of the Year.  A First-Team All-UAA honoree, Gallegos was among the squad's top three performers in all seven of her competitions including the NCAA South/Southeast Regional Championships when she recorded a 10th-place overall finish, good for all-region recognition.

Senior Natalie Waryck (Springfield, OH) received the Coach's Award, symbolic of dedication, leadership and inspiration. Waryck's consistency enabled her to score in all eight of the team's races, and she paced the Eagles while finishing 39th out of 497 runners at the prestigious Griak Invitational.  Among her individual honors included a second-team berth on the All-UAA Team and spot on the South/Southeast All-Region Team.