Junior Jessica Richardson (Columbus, Ind./North) is off to another fine start on the women's cross country circuit this year. The Crusaders competed in the Iona Meet of Champions this past Saturday where Richardson finished the 6,100-meter course with a time of 23:29.84, good for 18th place out of 190 total runners. Thanks to that performance, the Horizon League named her Runner of the Week for Sept. 17th-23rd.

The award is Richardson's first this season, and third overall. She finished with the best team time in all six races last season and has led the pack in both meets so far in 2013.

Located in New York, Van Coutland Park is one of the most challenging - and famous - courses in the United States. It has been the home of numerous NCAA championships and is celebrating 100 years of hosting cross country meets.

"Jessica ran smart on one of the hardest courses in the country and one, if not the, hardest that I have seen. Her hard work of 70 miles per week is paying off," head coach Mike Straubel said.

Valpo's next meet is Friday, October 4th at the Notre Dame Invitational in Notre Dame, Indiana.