Oct. 9, 2003

University of Kentucky senior Caitlin Phillips was named SEC Female Cross Country Athlete of the Week Wednesday after her first-place performance at the Cardinal Cross Country Classic last weekend. The win marked the second individual title for Phillips this year and the fifth of her career.

Phillips, whose Wildcats are ranked 35th in the nation this week in the Finishlynx NCAA Division I poll, led UK to its first team title of 2003 last weekend in Louisville. The Bay Village, Ohio, native finished the 5k in 17:36.37, which ranks as the fourth-best time in the SEC this season. The two-time All-SEC performer has won both meets she has competed in this year by an average of 13.075 seconds.

“It’s very gratifying to see Caity recognized for her continuing success in cross country,” coach Don Weber said. “Her willingness to make the summer training investment has enabled her to be one of the SEC’s best cross country runners all four years of her career. Her motivation and eagerness to work distinguishes her among the very best we ever had. I am very pleased for Caity; she is a model student-athlete.”

The Cats return to action on Oct. 18, as they travel to Cedar Falls, Iowa, for the Pre-NCAA Meet. It will mark the last test for the Cats before the SEC Championships on Nov. 3.