LC Meridian

Issue date: 12/1/05 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Tony Correa

Bronx, NY - The City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) Women's Cross Country Coaches have awarded the Lehman Lightning three major post-season awards, it was announced by the CUNYAC. Junior Amy Ruston was named the Athlete of the Year, freshman Annie Ortiz was selected as the Rookie of the Year, and head coach Lesleigh Hogg was chosen by his peers as the Coach of the Year.

For the second straight season, Ruston dominated the field at the CUNYAC Championships, covering the Van Cortlandt Park course in a new conference record time of 18:40. Ruston placed 41st at the NCAA Championships with 6,000 meter time of 23:10 this past weekend in Delaware, Ohio, after she qualified for the event with a time of 22:56 at the NCAA Atlantic Regional race at the University of Rochester. During the regular-season, the Nashua, New Hampshire product won four individual races, including the NYU, Bard, Vassar, and Lehman Invitationals.

"Amy is a very motivated athlete who works extremely hard," said Lehman head coach Lesleigh Hogg. "It is that motivation and her desire to achieve that sets her apart. But it is quality of humility that allows her to be a leader on the team because no matter what are her accomplishments you know that she is there rooting for the others with a true concern about their performances."

Ortiz made a terrific debut in her initial season at Lehman as the native of Torreon, Mexico placed third overall with a time of 19:49 at the CUNYAC Championships. "Annie is brand new to the sport, not having run competitively at any level," Hogg said. "She is extremely coachable and wants to learn and improve. Her infectious personality allows her to blend right in. Each race is an experience and she relishes the challenge. She is very deserving of the award"

Hogg, who just completed his ninth seeason, led the Lightning to their first-ever CUNYAC Women's Cross Country Championship.

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