KVOA

Posted: Nov 5, 2009 9:43 AM

CORPUS CHRISTI - Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Cross Country senior Anne Ronoh has been named Southland Conference Athlete of the Year along with Lamar senior Francis Kasagule. In addition to Ronoh, the Islanders also placed freshman BreAnna Briggs on the all-conference team.

Ronoh, who finished runner-up last year won the individual title this season with a time of 20:44, a course record at West Guth Park. She also becomes the first women's runner in conference history to win Newcomer and Athlete of the Year in consecutive seasons.

"Anne Ronoh ran her best and fastest race of the year, which also was a course record," said cross country head coach Shawn Flanagan. "She also is a tribute to being a student-athlete with the perseverance she shows."

"She has to practice twice a week on her own due to a heavy class load."

The win was the Islanders third straight title on the women's side tying, UTSA (1991-93) and Lamar (2004-06) to complete a three-peat.

Briggs was one of two freshmen who made the all-conference team, after finishing in the top 10 at the championships.

"BreAnna is a great freshman who has lived up to my expectations this year," said Flanagan "For her to join in has really been a bright spot this year for us,"
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi will compete at the NCAA Regional Championships hosted by Baylor University in Waco, Nov. 14.