November 22, 2008

Men's Results; Women's Results
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SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa.—Seniors Mitch Cooper and Alyson Trovato both concluded their memorable collegiate careers on Saturday afternoon by running in their final cross country race in a St. Andrews Presbyterian College uniform, representing the Knights as individuals in the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships for the second straight year.

Seniors Mitch Cooper (top picture) and Alyson Trovato (bottom picture) both competed in the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships in Slippery Rock, Pa.

Cooper and Trovato braved the northern elements at the Cooper’s Lake Campground, racing in unfamiliar conditions which included below freezing temperature and snow on the ground. Slippery Rock University hosted the 2008 Championships that included 341 endurance athletes.

“What a great race this was for Mitch and Alyson,” said SAPC first year head coach Jim Walters. “Though it was a cold three days for them, they performed as they always do, which is at 100%.”

Cooper became the first Knights harrier to race in four consecutive NCAA Championships and the first conference runner to complete that feat in recent history (and possibly first ever). He finished the men’s 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) race with a time of 33:20. Cooper was the 107th entrant to cross the finish line out of 152 competitors.

The Virginia Beach, Va., native is a four-time First Team All-Conference selection, a four-time All-Region honoree, a two-time Conference Runner of the Year, and the 2005 Conference Freshman of the Year,

Trovato moved up six spots in her second showing at the D-II National Championships, blazing the 6k trail in 24 minutes and 25 seconds. She finished in 140th place out of 189 participants.

The Cedar Park, Texas, resident had a successful three seasons for the Lady Knights after transferring to St. Andrews after her freshman season. Trovato was a three-time All-Conference and All-Region award winner for the Royal Blue & White. She collected an impressive seven Conference Runner of the Week honors.

Both Cooper and Trovato finished in front of 10 runners from the Southeast Region at the 2008 NCAA Division II National Championships to wrap up their outstanding collegiate cross country careers. They will both be competing on the SAPC track & field teams this spring.

"I am so proud of these two student-athletes. They have worked extremely hard this season for the honor to participate in the NCAA National Championship.  They represented themselves and St. Andrews Presbyterian College with class,” concluded Walters. 

NOTE: Pictures courtesy of Karyn Bragman.