College Corner: Loudoun County Grad Josh Showalter, Briar Woods Grad Melissa Rizor Named USA South XC Rookies of the Week

College Update with Dan Sousa

Melissa Rizor

(Sept. 3, 2012) - Loudoun County High School graduate Josh Showalter and Briar Woods High School freshman Melissa Rizor, both freshmen at Christopher Newport University, have been named USA South Athletic Conference Cross Country Rookie of the Week.

Both Showalter and Rizor kicked off their post high school careers in flying fashion at the CNU/VWC Opener at Bells Mill Park. Showalter was second in a field of 43 competitors on the men's side, posting a 20:24.92 in the 6K race, trailing only teammate Ray Gamache, who ran a 20:24.36 and was named USA South Runner of the Week.

Josh Showalter

Rizor led the Captains and second overall with a 19:56.78 in the field of 46 runners. Her performance topped all other freshmen in the 5K meet. The Captains won both the women and men's team titles at the meet.

CNU has three other local runners: FR Lydia Cromwell (Woodgrove), FR Karissa Love (Tuscarora), and SO Elizabeth Stephens (Freedom)

Men's Results: 1, CNU 17. 2, Ohio Valley 52. 3, Virginia Wesleyan 71.
Women's Results: 1, CNU 22. 2, Virginia Wesleyan 56. 3, Mary Baldwin 77.