December 17, 2009

Kansas City, MO- The Salem College cross country team had three runners receive NCAA All-Association of Division III Independents honors today in a very tough field of nominees. Rachel Fichthorn (Nokesville, VA) led the way on the All-AD3I Second Team, and both Lauren Meek (Draper, VA) and Julie Piernikowski (Potomac, MD) made All-AD3I Honorable Mention. Fichthorn ends her prestigious cross country career at Salem with another major award.

Fichthorn was named the AD3I Runner of the Week three times in 2008. She broke the 6000 meter school record three times in the final three meets of the year, finishing with the record 24:25 time. She had a 36th place finish at the NCAA South/Southeast Regional Championships. Fichthorn is a three-year captain for the Spirits of Salem College.

Meek was the co-captain of the 2008 team. She finished in the top ten of a race four times in 2008. Piernikowski ran her personal bests in the 5000 and 6000 meters at the end of the year. Jackie Spelts from Nebraska Wesleyan was the Runner of the Year, she finished fifth in the NCAA Championships.

All-Association of DIII Independents

Name	Year	Award
Rachel Fichthorn	Senior	Second Team All-Association
Lauren Meek	Junior	Honorable Mention All-Association
Julie Piernikowski	Sophomore	Honorable Mention All-Association