HOOVER, Ala.- It was a historical day for Kennesaw State cross country as Mackenzie Howe became the first Owls runner in the program’s  Division I history to qualify for Nationals. Her time of 20:16 at Veterans Park was good enough for eighth place. Overall, she was the third individual runner to finish who was not on one of the top two qualifying teams which gave her an automatic spot for Nationals.

Just two weeks after winning the Atlantic Sun Conference championship, Howe added the accolade of National qualifier to her already extensive resume. Her top ten finish all gave her the honor of being named All-Region for the South for the second year in a row.

“This is the way you want to finish a cross country season,” head cross country coach Stan Sims said. “As we have said all season, this is what we were training for. Mackenzie had a great race at conference and another excellent one today. She convinced herself today that she is a national class runner. Every race she seems to move up and it just establishes her as one of the best runners in not only in the region but the country as well.”

This season for Howe has capped off what can only be described as a legendary career at Kennesaw State. After a junior season that saw numerous first place finishes, A-Sun Runner of the Week awards and an All-Region honor, the 2010 season has been nothing but a continuation of the earlier success. Out of the seven races she has competed in, Howe only finished once outside of the top ten. Her A-Sun career was acclimated when she finished first at the conference championship only a few weeks ago.

Now, Howe turns her attention to the competition on Nov. 22 in Terre Haute, Ind. and the National meet. Out of the nine regions, the top two teams are automatically sent along with at-large bid teams and the top four individual finishers outside of the qualifying teams. For Howe, making it to Nationals was the goal since the beginning of the season.

“I went into the race today feeling confident and I was excited to see what I could do because of how hard I had been working,” Howe said. “I knew where I had to finish in order to go to Nationals which was my goal and it feels great to actually achieve it. It will be great for me to run at Nationals against the fastest girls in the country. There is no better way to end my senior year than this.”

Howe wasn’t the only female Owl on the course today as freshman Heather Morris was given her first taste of Regional action. After battling an injury for a portion of the season, Morris was able to battle the 6k course well, finishing in a time of 22:53. In Coach Sims’ mind, Morris’ performance on Saturday only showed the greater things to come.

“Heather did well at conference and was able to prove herself during the 6k today,” Sims said.  “It was all about gaining experience for her. She bounced back from her injury and was able to show us what promise she brings to the women’s program for the next few years.”


Full Women's Results