Colorado State University Athletics
CSU's Rastall selected for cross country nationals
11/18/2008 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
Nov. 18, 2008
By Mallory Mortvedt
Athletic Media Relations
FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Redshirt freshman Ellie Rastall has taken the CSU cross country team by storm. In her first season as a Ram, she was selected Tuesday as the only CSU runner to qualify for the 2008 NCAA Division I men's and women's cross country championships.
Rastall was the top female finisher for CSU at the NCAA Mountain Region cross country championships held Saturday, crossing the line in 12th place with a time of 20 minutes, 57.2 seconds. This qualified her for a spot at nationals, which will be held on Nov. 24 in Terre Haute, Ind., hosted by Indiana State University. Rastall has had a very successful season, and Head Coach Bryan Berryhill could not have been more proud.
"It's a tremendous honor for Ellie to get selected to the NCAA championships," he said. "To qualify as a redshirt freshman for the NCAAs just shows her dedication, toughness and talent. She has been our No. 1 runner in every race this season, which shows her consistency."
The top two finishing teams in each region automatically qualify for the NCAA championships. In addition, the next six fastest racers per region are admitted at-large as individuals. Rastall will continue to bring her dedication to the CSU cross country team, and her strength and determination will ensure her success at the NCAA championships.