LMU CROSS COUNTRY NEWS

LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY

OFFICE OF SPORTS INFORMATION

Sports Release                                                                                       May 7, 2007

Maryville High School Product To Run Cross Country For Lincoln Memorial University

HARROGATE, TN – Lincoln Memorial University cross country coach Brandon Gibbs announced recently that Jessica Brandes of Maryville, Tennessee will run her collegiate career with the Lady Railsplitter cross country team. 

A product of Maryville High School, Brandes turned in many impressive times while competing on the prep and individual level.  Her best time in the 1500 meter is 5:30.  Brandes posted a time of 5:45 in the 1600 meter and a blistering time of 2:32 in the 800 meter race as well.  In longer distance races, the prep standout has an all-time best time of 20:01 in the 5K, and a 19:20 in the 3 mile distance.  In the 15K race she has a time of 1:19:14 and is the holder of five Tennessee state records.

“I’m excited about having Jessica join the team in the fall,” said Gibbs.  “She will be able to give our team some much needed depth for the upcoming season.  We’re losing a few of our top runners and I believe she will make an immediate impact on the success of the program.”

Last season the Lady Railsplitters finished 2^nd in the South Atlantic Conference meet, 2^nd in the NCAA Regional and made their first ever trip to the NCAA Division II National Championship where they finished 24^th in the nation.  The Lady Railsplitters lost three seniors from the 2006 squad, two of which were All-South Atlantic Conference selections.  Brandes will be pursuing a degree in athletic training when she reports for fall semester classes in late August.

-LMU- 

For additional comments please contact,
Head Coach:  Brandon Gibbs
Phone:  (423) 869-6201