Xavier's Fakler earns All-Louisiana in two running events

Catherine Fakler

NEW ORLEANS — Performances in the women's 5,000-meter run and the 3,000-meter steeplechase earned spots for Xavier University of Louisiana's Catherine Fakler on the 2013 All-Louisiana track and field team announced late Saturday.
    
Fakler, a sophomore from Phoenix, Ariz., and a graduate of Xavier College Preparatory High School, was Louisiana's No. 3 female performer in the 5,000 (18 minutes, 23.24 seconds) and the steeplechase (12:20.90). The top three performers in each event, based on times compiled by the NCAA and the NAIA, earn All-Louisiana.
    
Fakler recorded her 5,000 best at the Mississippi College Invitational on April 5. Eight days later in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships in New Orleans, she recorded her season best in the steeplechase and won the event.
    
Fakler is the first from Xavier to be named All-Louisiana in women's or men's track and field.

It's the second major honor this week for Fakler. On Monday she was chosen to the Capital One Academic All-America® college division women's track and field/cross country second team.

By Ed Cassiere, SID
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
XULAATHLETICS