Lauren Penkala of the women's cross country team was selected as the Sizzlin' Saint award recipient, sponsored by Applebee's, for the month of November.
"Throughout the month of November, and in fact the entire season, Lauren has been the driving force behind the women’s cross country team," said head coach Brian Beil. "During our 2017 campaign, Lauren finished second for the team in four out of our six races. At the Florida Tech Invitational, and then again at the Peach Belt Conference Championship, she was our top finisher. At the PBC Championships she finished an impressive fourth overall with a time of 18:01, which is the fourth-fastest 5K time in program history. Two weeks later she would go on to finish second for the team, and 17th overall, at the NCAA DII Southeast Regional Championship, earning all-region accolades.
"Though she was our top finisher twice, with one even coming at a key moment during the season, Lauren’s efforts were often overlooked by those outside the program. Not only was she among the fastest runners in the conference and region, she serves as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the leader of the women’s cross country team, Lauren Penkala has been an unsung hero throughout her career so far as a Saint. I am proud to coach Lauren."
