Sara Vaughn Competes at IAAF World Cross Country Championships
3/28/2009 12:00:00 AM
March 28, 2009
AMMAN, Jordan - Alabama Cross country member Sara Vaughn competed at the IAAF World Junior Cross Country Championships on Saturday helping lead team USA to a fifth place finish in Amman, Jordan.
"I think the best thing about it is that it's an opportunity for her to see just how big running can be," head cross country coach Randy Hasenbank said. "She left her comfort zone going over there to compete against the best young runners in the world and I'm pleased that she was able to be a part of it. I think now she understands, after going to the event, what a big opportunity and accomplishment it is."
Among the world's best cross country juniors (19 years of age and under), Vaughn finished 64th with a time of 23:09 over the 6,000 meter course.
"She handled it very well, obviously I wasn't there, but I'm quite certain she competed well and competed hard," Hasenbank said. "The course was demanding. Initially, she was a little disappointed in how she finished, but we're proud of her. This will be a good springboard for her next big opportunity."
In team standings, Ethiopia and Kenya took home first and second place, respectively. Japan was third while Great Britain and N.I. finished fourth. Team USA rounded out the top five. There were a total of 14 teams.
