FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

Apr. 28, 2015 - North Central College distance runner Megan Costanzo has been selected as one of the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Women's Track & Field Athletes of the Week for Apr. 20-26, marking the fourth straight week that the Cardinals have claimed at least one of the CCIW's weekly awards.

Costanzo received the distinction after establishing a new North Central outdoor varsity record at the Hillsdale College (Michigan) Gina Relays on Friday. She finished the 5,000-meter run in a personal-best time of 17 minutes, 0.41 seconds to eclipse her previous lifetime best by nearly 46 seconds and breaking the school record of 17:02.84 which had been held by Amanda Laesch since 2011. Costanzo placed seventh in a field of 26 competitors and was the first NCAA Division III finisher in the race.

Costanzo currently ranks sixth nationally in the 5,000 and sits 11th in the nation in the 10,000-meter run (36:05.13). She qualified for her first indoor national championship meet in March, placing 12th in the 5,000.

North Central has had five athletes recognized with Athlete of the Week awards this season. Sprinter/hurdler Madison Renfro and pole vaulter Elizabeth Composto swept the awards last week, and throwers Lina Baker and Ebony Stallworth were recognized on Apr. 7 and Apr. 14, respectively.

The Cardinals will travel to Wheaton College for the CCIW Outdoor Championships on Friday and Saturday, seeking their third straight team championship and their 10th outdoor title overall. More information on the meet can be found at cciw.org.