TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (UCFKnights.com) - As she has done all season, redshirt senior Anne-Marie Blaney closed out her historic UCF cross country career with another milestone.
Bundled against the cold weather and wind, Blaney finished 45th out of 250 runners - the best showing in program history. Her final time in the six kilometer race, 20:29.6, ranked fifth all-time at UCF. The Ocala, Fla., native holds the top six times in the event.
"I was hoping to place better however, with the conditions I experienced, I ran my race and did well," Blaney said. "All-American was my goal but that just gives me more motivation for (indoor and outdoor) track season"
Two seasons ago, Blaney became the first Knight to qualify for nationals. She finished 108th at the 2014 NCAA Championships. After redshirting last season, she was back with a vengeance this year. She won five races throughout the season, including the NCAA South Region title.
"I love adding to the number of UCF teams that compete at the national level," Blaney added. "I wanted to make history rather than just be a part of history. I think I've accomplished that since I started here."
Blaney and the Knights will now turn their focus to the track and field season. Indoor competition begins Jan. 13 at the Birmingham Team Meet.
