MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama women’s cross country team captain Tori Lawson was awarded with Sun Belt Conference Women’s Runner-of-the-Week honors, as announced by the league office on Wednesday.
The Ocala, Fla., native recorded her first individual win this weekend at the Azalea City Classic held at Brookley Gulf Pines Golf Course. The junior outpaced the field of 39 for a majority of the race and took the tape on the 6k course in 22:52.28.
Jaguar head cross country coach Mike Barbee has seen invaluable production from the 2010 all-SBC honoree thus far this season, as Lawson has led the Lady Jags twice in as many meets this season – the first being a third-place finish (11:25.50) on the Troy Invitational 3,200-meter course on Sept. 3.
“Tori has been the clear leader on the women’s side for us this season,” Barbee said. “This is a great personal accolade for her, the program is very proud. She was given the opportunity to lead this team and she’s proven it to us as well as the conference.”
Barbee described Lawson’s leadership abilities as being primarily focused on a quality team finish, rather than obsessing with individual honors.
Her efforts helped the Lady Jags win the team competition at the Azalea City Classic with a total of 22 points, 18 ahead of Alabama State.
“Tori is not the team captain because she finishes ahead of everyone else, but because she emulates the qualities we want working throughout the team,” Barbee said. “She is someone who can also be pushed. The girls can greatly benefit from trying to reach her in training, but our mindset is built on team results being of paramount importance.”
Lawson will next lead the Jaguars at the Greater Louisville Classic, which will be held at E.P. Tom Sawyer Park in Louisville, Ky., on Oct. 1.
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
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