Nov. 11, 2002

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Western Washington University's Paul Kezes and Ashlee Vincent have been named Great Northwest Athletic Conference Men's and Women's Cross Country Runners of the Week for Nov. 3-9.

Kezes, a sophomore from Bellingham (Sehome High graduate), won the honor for the fourth time this year as he took the individual title at the NCAA Division II West Regional Championships in Fresno, Calif., and earned a berth at the NCAA II National Championships. Kezes completed the 10-kilometer course in 31:58, 12 seconds ahead of Chris Eggers of Chico State. He has won all four times he has competed this season, previously being triumphant at the Sundodger Classic, the Western Invitational and the GNAC Championships.

Vincent, a sophomore from Bellingham (Squalicum High graduate), also won the honor for the fourth time this year. She was the top GNAC finisher in the women's race, placing seventh and covering the 8-kilometer course in 22:21. She was just six seconds behind the final individual berth for nationals. Vincent won the GNAC title for the second straight year on Oct. 26, and also won the Saint Martin's Open.