Oklahoma State University Athletics
Smedstad Finishes 18th At The NCAA Cross Country Nationals
November 22, 1999 | Cowgirl Cross Country & Track
Nov. 22, 1999
STILLWATER, Okla. - For the second year in a row, Cowgirl Hanna Smedstad's finish in the NCAA Cross Country Championships has secured her status as an All-American.
Smedstad placed 18th with a time of 17:13.90 in the 1999 national meet this morning in Bloomington, Ind. She improved from last year's 28th-place finish, with a time of 17:31.53 in the 5,000m run.
"I feel really good about my performance this morning," Smedstad said. "I think I was better prepared this year. The competition was very fierce, but the weather was very pretty and there were people all along the course, screaming and cheering. Having such a big crowd helped motivate me a little."
Last year's 28th-place finish gave Smedstad All-America honors. She was the first member of the Cowgirl Cross Country Team to receive such honors since 1989. She also received All-American status after her superb performance in the 1999 indoor track season.
"I am so excited," said Coach Catrina Acosta. "Hanna ran a smart race. She really looked in control. It is so exciting that Hanna is a three-time All-American."
The Cowgirl Cross Country team ended its season on Nov. 13, with a 16th-place finish at the 1999 District V Championships. Smedstad's third-place finish at Districts qualified her to compete in today's NCAA Championships. Her performance today marked the end of the cross country season. She, as well as the rest of the Cowgirl team, will now begin to prepare for the indoor track season, scheduled to begin Jan. 15.
