SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa.- Amidst blizzard like conditions and temperatures dipping into the low 20's at the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championship, Jessica Neville (Cold Spring, N.Y., Haldane) braved the elements to become the first ever national championship athlete in women's cross country history. Neville ran a smart and tough race to finish 85th, the highest Conference Carolinas finisher. The race was hosted by Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pa.
 
Neville started the race conservatively, saving her energy during the huge hill in the first 800 meters. Neville used the rest of the race to continually move up through the field. Running through snow drifts and windy conditions slowed the other teams but not the New York native, who was competing in her first National Championship of many to come. Coming down the finish stretch, Neville passed eight runners to secure her spot in the top 85 runners.
 
Assistant Coach Jeff Gaudette was ecstatic with Neville's finish, "I think Jessica did a great job keeping her whit's about her in one of the toughest races in the country."

 "Her finish here proves Jessica is one very tough athlete and has tremendous talent and potential for the future."
 
This ends the cross-country season for the Royals and begins the march towards Indoor Track titles.