ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The accolades are rolling in for Anne-Marie Blaney following a dominant showing at the Mountain Dew Invitational. The redshirt senior was named the American Athletic Conference Runner of the Week on Tuesday and became the first Knight to be nationally ranked by FloTrack.
"I am honored to have been selected for the AAC Runner of the Week, as well as being included in the FloTrack rankings," Blaney said. "This is going to be a big year for UCF cross country. This team is stronger than it has ever been, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the year with these ladies!"
Blaney won Saturday's race with a time of 16:54.18, more than 17 seconds faster than the next runner. Not only was her time a season-best, it was also the second-fastest 5K mark in program history. The school record holder in the event, Blaney was just shy of her career-best in the event while capturing her second individual title of the season.
"Our team is making some noise with our distance program and this is only the beginning," assistant coach Johnny Gray said. "First it was moving up to be ranking the South Region, and now Anne-Marie being ranked nationally as an individual. We get out of life what we are willing to give and Anne-Marie gives everything!"
The Ocala, Fla., native joined the FloTrack rankings in the No. 25 slot on Monday afternoon. She is the first Knight to rank in the Top 25 nationally as an individual, and the only representative from The American in the poll.
Earning her first league honor this season, Blaney has now been recognized by The American eight times during her cross country tenure at UCF.
The Knights return to action on Oct. 7, heading to Tallahassee for the FSU Invite.
