By: Brian Larson, Sports Information Director

New Orleans – The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association has honored University of Mary senior Jennifer Agnew as the NCAA Division II women's 2013 USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Year.
 
According to the USTFCCCA news release:
"After missing the 2012 cross country season with an injury and exhausting her track & field eligibility in the spring, Jennifer Agnew was back at the Division II Cross Country Championships for the final race of her collegiate career, and she made it count. The senior from Onamia, Minn., led from the outset and was never challenged in a win in 20:50.7 on the six-kilometer course at the Plantes Ferry Sports Complex in Spokane, Wash., by nearly 12 seconds over runner-up Jessica Macy of Pittsburg State.
 
"By the halfway point at three kilometers, she had already amassed what would be an insurmountable 12-second lead over Macy and the pack. She completed the first three kilometers in 10:22.9 and was able to maintain a 10:27.8 split over the second half, faster than all but one runner.
 
"The win was her fifth of the season, including titles at the Central Region Championships and the NSIC Championships. Her lone loss was a fifth-place showing in the deep Roy Griak Maroon II race."
 
Named a USTFCCCA All-American earlier in the week, Agnew also earned Northern Sun and USTFCCCA Central region Athlete of the Year after winning the NSIC title by 20 seconds and the NCAA regional crown by 18 seconds.
 
Agnew finishes her U-Mary career as a five-time All-American. Prior to this national championship her previous best finish was third place in the steeplechase at the 2013 NCAA outdoor championships.
 
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