CROSS COUNTRY

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BUFFALO, NY ­ The University at Buffalo women's cross country squad presented its team awards for the 2002 season at the annual Athletic Awards Banquet held at Samuel's Grande Manor.

Head coach Vicki Mitchell made the following presentations: Kate Kohout (Clarence, NY/Clarence) was selected as the Top Newcomer; Jenny Koeppel (Amherst, NY/Amherst) earned the Most Improved Player Award; Christina Keck (Erie, PA/McDowell) received the Coach's Award; and Melissa Burrows (Norwood, NY/Norwood-Norfolk) was named the team's Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive season.

Kate Kohout

The Top Newcomer Award is presented to the individual student-athlete who distinguishes herself as the most talented new player on the team or the individual who accomplishes the greatest achievements as a first-year player. Kohout raced in eight events in 2002. Her top time was 18:57 at the UB Invitational where she placed fourth among 27 runners.

Jenny Koeppel

The Most Improved Player Award is presented to the student-athlete who has made the greatest stride or improvement in her performance from the previous season or from the beginning of the season to the end of the season. Koeppel, named the team's Top Newcomer following the 2001 season, participated in eight races. She turned in a top 5K time of 18:58 to finish fifth in the UB Invitational.

Christina Keck

The Coach's Award is selected by the head coach and is given to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the team virtues as defined by the head coach. The recipient is one who stands out in dedication, commitment, unselfishness and enthusiasm towards helping the team improve. Keck raced in seven meets, winning the UB Invitational in 18:54 and leading the Bulls to the team title. She also turned in a top 6K clocking of 23:16.2 at the NCAA Northeast Regional where she placed 89th among 238 runners.

Melissa Burrows

The Most Valuable Player Award is given to the student-athlete who makes the most significant contribution to the accomplishments of the team through her skills and leadership. Burrows was UB's top finisher in six of the seven meets she raced in this past season. She had three top-10 finishes including a sixth-place showing at the Iona Meet of Champions where she turned in her best 5K time of 18:26.93. She also had a top 6K time of 22:25.9 at the NCAA Pre-Nationals race in Terre Haute, IN to place 44th in a field of 275 racers.

The Bulls completed their season with an 2-5 overall record and were 0-4 in MAC dual meets. UB placed 12th at the Mid-American Conference Championships in Oxford, OH and 14th at the NCAA Northeast Regional Meet.