HAMILTON, N.Y. (12/17/09) – Last week the Colgate women's cross country team celebrated the 2009 season with a banquet at the Colgate Inn. The excellent cuisine, awards presentations, highlight video, and student poems and skits were much enjoyed by all.

Special recognition awards were presented as follows:

Caroline Prins – Outstanding Freshman – In her first year of cross-country, Prins ran 18:55 for 5K and worked her way into the varsity top-7.

Kelly Cattano– Most Improved – consistent number three runner all season, hitting 1:00 PR of 22:18 for 6K and a fine 18:40 for 5K

Emma Eckerstrom– Don Dunn Award for dedication and persistence – hit new PR's in early season meets, running 9th for the team, before succumbing to injury.

Julie Tarallo – Dorothy Fullam Team Award for significant team contribution – All Patriot League Second Team, #2 runner for the team, hit new PR of 21:50 for 6K, never missed a meet or a practice.

Elise DeRoo– Outstanding Performer  - Patriot League Champion, taking the field by nearly one minute, Colgate's top runner every meet, hit PR of 20:42 for 6K.

Additionally, the captains, Hilary Hooley and Suzie Fortkiewicz, were recognized for the outstanding leadership, mentoring, and support they provided to the largest cross-country squad in Colgate history, 19 women.  The captains shouldered a great deal of responsibility for the teams day-to-day operations as well as morale.