Rinehardt Named PL Female Rookie of the Week

Oct. 21, 2008

WASHINGTON - American University cross country's Octavia Rinehardt has been named the Patriot League Female Rookie of the Week, conference officials announced Tuesday. Rinehardt placed second at the Lafayette Invitational on Saturday while leading the Eagles to a second-place team finish.

Rinehardt once again led the Eagles as she took second place in a time of 21:24.60, nearly a full 10 seconds ahead of the race's third-place finisher. Rinehardt's time marked a new personal best for the freshman and was the third time this season that she has been AU's top finisher. This award is Rinehardt's second weekly award from the PL after also being named Rookie of the Week on Sept. 3.

The Eagles will be in action once again on Saturday, Nov. 1, as they travel to Bethlehem, Pa., for the Patriot League Championships. At last year's championships American finished in fourth place, marking the team's highest finish at the meet since 2004, and placed two runners on the All-PL First Team.