Fakler finishes 68th, an XU record, at NAIA national meet

Catherine Fakler
2013 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete

LAWRENCE, Kansas -- Xavier University of Louisiana's Catherine Fakler ran 5,000 meters in 19 minutes, 0.84 seconds to finish 68th out of 319 women Saturday at the NAIA Cross Country National Championships.

Fakler's time and finish are the best by an XU runner at nationals. The junior from Phoenix, Ariz., placed 191st at nationals last year in 20:12. Her time Saturday is No. 5 on the Gold Nuggets' all-time list. Fakler has run five of Xavier's six fastest 5K times; four occurred this season.

"Catherine ran well in some really tough conditions," XU coach Joseph Moses said. "It was cold today . . . in the upper 20s."

Senior Donyé Coleman placed 249th in 20:48.56, nearly 30 seconds faster than her previous best at nationals.

In the men's race, Xavier sophomore David Holobowicz ran 8,000 meters in 29:18.62 to place 310th out of 313 runners.

College of Idaho senior Hillary Holt (16:48.13) repeated as women's individual champion. British Columbia had four of the top 19 finishers and scored 56 points to repeat as women's team champion.

Southern Oregon junior Eric Avila (24:02.45) won the men's race. Oklahoma City won its first-ever team championship with 77 points.

Xavier's distance runners will compete next during the outdoor track and field season in early March.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA