March 29, 2006
Former Butler distance runners Steve Vernon (2003) and Victoria Mitchell (2005) have both qualified to represent their countries at the 2006 IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Fukuoka, Japan this Saturday. A third Bulldog, Mark Tucker (2003) has qualified for the meet, but has not confirmed whether he will race or not.
Vernon, who in February finished third in the English National Cross Country Championships, will be competing at the meet for his third time.
The world championship is just one of many international competitions for the Australian Mitchell, who was the NCAA steeplechase champion in 2005. This summer, she continued her steeple success by finishing 2nd at the World University Games, and 4th at the Commonwealth Games, she is currently ranked 8th in the world in the event. During her tenure at Butler, Mitchell won two Horizon League cross country championships and earned four Athlete of the Year awards, including the awards for both Indoor Track & Field and Cross Country in 2004 and 2005. She also holds the Horizon League's outdoor track and field records for the 1500m (4:31.68), 3000 Steeplechase (10:26.51) and 5000m (17:08.46).
Also an Australian, Tucker was an All-American cross country runner, finishing as high as 4th in the 2002 NCAA championships. The Australian record holder for the indoor 5000m would be making his second appearance at the meet. Tucker earned the inaugural Horizon League Cross Country Athlete of the Year award in 2002.
Vernon and Mitchell will be running the 4000m `short-course' on day one of the two day event. Tucker could be in this race, or may opt for the 12000 `long-course' on Sunday.
Information provided by Butler Sports Information
