FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

Oct. 6, 2009 -- North Central College freshman Lauren Hooks claimed her second College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Runner of the Week award after finished 22nd at Friday's Blugold Open, helping the Cardinal women's cross country squad to a sixth place showing.

The freshman shares this week's award with Karin Wirth of Carthage College.

Hooks traversed the 6,000 meter course at the Whitetail Golf Course in Colfax, Wis. in a personal record time of 23:14, finishing 22nd to pace the team. The award is Hooks' second of the year after claiming Runner of the Week honors on Sept. 21 for her performance at the Illinois Intercollegiates.

North Central, ranked eighth in the Midwest Region, returns to action next Friday, making the short trip to Lisle, Ill. for the Benedictine University Invitational.

CCIW Runner of the Week Winners:
Lauren Hooks - North Central & Karin Wirth - Carthage (10/6/09)
Morgan Wiechmann - Carthage (9/29/09)
Lauren Hooks - North Central (9/21/09)
Kerry Devitt - Illinois Wesleyan (9/15/09)
Ellen Adams - Augustana (9/9/09)