September 17, 2012 -- USA South Runners of the Week (from CNUsports.com)

Post date: Sep 17, 2012 9:28:35 PM

Cromwell and Showalter

Showalter, Cromwell Earn Weekly USA South Cross Country Honors

Showalter swept the men's awards, while Cromwell was named the women's Rookie of the Week

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9/17/2012 5:11:00 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Freshman Josh Showalter swept the men's USA South cross country weekly honors, while Lydia Cromwell was named the women's Rookie of the Week after the two first-year standouts helped guide Christopher Newport to a strong effort at the William & Mary Invitational on Saturday.

Showalter captured the conference's Rookie of the Week honor for the second time this season after also earning the distinction following his first collegiate meet two weeks ago. Additionally, he is now the second Captain to garner the USA South Runner of the Week award in 2012 after Ray Gamache received the accolade on September 3.

For Cromwell, the freshman award is the first of her career. She is also the second Captain to earn it this season after fellow classmate Melissa Rizor received the honor on September 3 as well.

During the 54th annual William & Mary Invitational, Showalter posted CNU's top time while competing against six Division I squads. Over the difficult 8k course, he cruised to a time of 27:24. With that effort, he placed 36th in the field of 86 competitors.

Showalter's performance on Saturday continued his impressive debut season with the Captains. At the CNU/VWC Opener on August 31, the Leesburg, Virginia native placed second overall in the 6k competition with a time of 20:24.92. For those efforts, he was named the USA South Rookie of the Week.

On the women's side, Cromwell led the Captains after finishing 27th overall during the 5k race at William & Mary. In just her second collegiate competition, she crossed the line in 19:44. Guided by that effort, CNU eventually placed fifth in the accomplished field.

Similar to Showalter, Cromwell has been outstanding in 2012. During the team's only other competition this season, she placed third at the CNU/VWC Opener. A native of Round Hill, Virginia, she made her season debut with a time of 20:02.42 over that 5k course.