Dec. 5- The Association of Division III Independents announced their post-season women’s cross-country award recipients today. Rachel Fichthorn, a sophomore from Nokesville, VA, earned a spot on the All-Association Second Team. Lauren Meek, a freshman from Draper, VA, earned a spot on the All-Association Honorable Mention Team.

Fichthorn established herself as the #1 North Carolina NCAA Division III runner in every race this past season. Fichthorn was the team captain for the Spirits, helping lead them to a runner-up team award at the Association of Division III Independents Championships in Bennington, Vermont.

Lauren Meek broke her old high school personal best halfway through the 2006 season and never looked back. Meek continued to improve and placed 4th in the Association of Division III Championships, despite falling and injuring herself twice during the race. After the season, Meek has continued to train for the Jr. Olympics. Meek has qualified and will race in the Jr. Olympics National Championships in Spokane, Washington on December 9.