It’s been a long road back for Chico State women’s cross country runner Shannon McVannel. After a 2008-09 season that saw her earn All-America honors in track and All-California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) and All-West Region awards in cross country, McVannel sat out both sports last year, electing to concentrate on long-term development and make the most of her final two years of eligibility. Her decision appears to have yielded the desired results – McVannel finished second among Chico State’s 19 runners at last Saturday’s Willamette Invitational, coming in 18th place overall. Her superlative effort makes her the runaway winner of the Wildcat of the Week award.
McVannel, one of eight Chico State runners to finish the 5k race in the top 40, crossed the finish line with a time of 18:03.27. Her performance helped the Wildcats finish third overall for the Willamette Invitational team title – the talent-laden field included 10 Division I squads and four regionally-ranked D-II teams.
The Chico State women’s cross country team will be back in action Oct. 16, competing in the Santa Clara Invitational.
