Nashville, Tenn. - Vanderbilt freshman Rita Jorgensen was recently named SEC Female Freshman of the Week after finishing fourth overall at the Belmont/Vanderbilt Opener last Friday night. She helped lead Vanderbilt to a second-place team showing.
"I was so excited to hear that I was selected SEC Female Freshman of the Week," said Jorgensen. "I've been working hard with my team, and I'm just so happy about the way we all performed."
In her first collegiate race, Jorgensen was the number one runner for the Commodores. Her time of 14:28.31 was the fastest time ever for a Vanderbilt freshman on the 4k course, and was the second fastest time ever in Vanderbilt history next to Erika Schneble's 14:20 in 2006.
Head Coach Steve Keith did not appear surprised to hear Jorgensen bring home the honor after only her first collegiate race.
"I'm pleased to see Rita recognized for her effort leading the team last Friday," Keith remarked. "It looks like she hasn't skipped a beat from her excellent senior high school season, and we will count on her to be one of our team leaders this fall."
Tennessee's Sarah Bowman was named the SEC Female Athlete of the Week. Bruce Hordusky from Kentucky was named SEC Male Athlete of the Week, while Ben Blankenship of Mississippi State won Male Freshman of the Week.
The Commodore Cross Country teams return to action on September 15 at Percy Warner Park as Vanderbilt hosts its annual Commodore Classic. The men's race starts at 9 a.m. C.T., followed by the