Chico State women's cross country runner Sara Mikesell is no stranger to winning awards during her four-year Wildcat career, both athletic and academic. The senior from Arnold achieved the ultimate last fall by earning All-America status, and by all indications – most notably her second place finish at the UC San Diego Triton Classic – she's prepped and ready for another All-America run in November. But for now, Mikesell is the recipient of an award that is a little closer to home – Wildcat of the Week.
Mikesell completed the 6-kilometer UC San Diego course with a time of 22:30.1, beating out 98 other runners and finishing only behind Wildcat teammate Ayla Granados. Mikesell was one of four Chico State runners to notch top 10 finishes as the 'Cats posted the Triton Classic's top team score.
The Triton Classic is Mikesell's top individual finish of 2013, though she's been a top 30 runner in each of her three cross country races so far this season. Last month, she came in 16th at the Sundodger Invitational in Seattle, clocking in at 22:08.39, and her time of 22:26 was good for 30th place at the Sept. 28 Stanford Invitational.
Mikesell's 14th place showing at last year's NCAA Cross Country Championships tied the best ever finish by a Wildcat at the national championships.
Mikesell and the rest of the Chico State women's cross country team is back in action Saturday, Oct. 26, when the Wildcats host the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Cross Country Championships at Bidwell Park's Hooker Oak Recreation Area.
