Oct. 1, 2009

Santa Clara cross country runners Stephanie Wilson and Robbie Reid swept the West Coast Conference Cross Country Runner of the Month awards for the month of September today. Both are from the local area - Wilson is a 2006 graduate of Archbishop Mitty in San Jose and Reid is a 2007 graduate of Mountain View High School.

Wilson won the Sac State Invite on Sept. 12. Wilson ran a 17:23 to win her first college cross country meet. Wilson then set the school record for a 6K (20:57), finishing 10th in the Stanford Invitational last Saturday. She was the first female in Bronco history to run a 6K under 21 minutes. At Stanford, eight of the top 15 teams in their region and Division II powerhouse Chico State, who is ranked in the top five nationally, were entered in the women's race.

"To be honest, I didn't even know that they had WCC Runners of the Month," said Wilson. "But I'm really glad that we got nominated and that Robbie and I both were honored. I just hope that we can be WCC Runners of the Month in October or November too!"

"We are extremely proud of Stephanie's accomplishments which are well-deserved after her two outstanding races in September," said Bronco head coach Tom Service. "This is not an ending point, but part of the process for Stephanie. We hope Stephanie knows the best days are ahead of her at the WCC Championship and the NCAA Regional meet. This is only the beginning. She is extremely mature mentally for someone that has reached success late in her career." <"This coach is very excited and Santa Clara is really proud of her," added Service smiling.

Reid set the school record at Stanford Invitational, finishing 10th individually. He ran a time of 24:30 for the 8K distance. Reid also finished in 10th place finish at the Hornet Jamboree (20:14) earlier in the month.

Reid said he was shocked when he saw the time at Stanford. "I didn't really believe it at first. I didn't know I'd run that fast," said Reid. "It was good to see all the training has paid off, but when we look back at it all - WCCs and NCAA Regionals - is what is important. I want to stay grounded and run well the rest of the year."

"It's to be honored like this because there are some outstanding runners in this conference," added Reid.

"There are a number of strong athletes in the WCC this year and Robbie is one of them. Robbie has had two solid races this season and it is a well-deserved honor," said Bronco associate head coach Felipe Montoro. "Now Robbie can get back to work for a few weeks and continue preparing for the post season."

Both runners were All-WCC performers last season.