Dec. 11, 2007

DAYTON, Ohio - The University of Dayton men's and women's cross country teams honored six stand-out student-athletes at its annual awards banquet on Sunday. Matt Lemon, Daniel Sammons, and Brad Boyd took home honors for the men's squad, while Anne Oltman, Brigitte Sherman and Liz Coorey were awarded for their efforts during the season.

Freshman Matt Lemon was named the Most Valuable Runner for the men's squad as he led the team in each of the last five races of the season. Lemon set four of the 50 All-Time Top 8K Performances in school history in the fall. The two-time Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week was named to the A-10 All-Conference Team and was also awarded A-10 Rookie of the Year for his eighth place finish at the championship race (25:54). His 24th finish at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional set the school record 10k time of 31:33 and is the best all-time individual finish for a Flyer ever. It also earned him a spot on the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Division I Men's All-Region Cross Country Team.

Senior Daniel Sammons took home the team's prestigious High Flyer Award. Sammons set a track personal best 15:34 in the 5000 meters and a team record 9:29 in the 3000 meter steeplechase last spring. In addition, he lowered his 8K personal best by 65 seconds this fall to 25:45 for the 33rd fastest All-Time Top 50 8K Performances in UD history. The 2008 graduate holds the team's 10th Harrier Hero position.

The final award went to Brad Boyd, who head coach Rich Davis named as the Most Improved Runner. Boyd, during his sophomore campaign, placed among the top seven men in each of the final meets during the season. He set a personal best at the Greater Louisville Class in 26:37 for a 28th Harrier Hero ranking. Boyd also set 5K and 10K personal bests and lowered his freshman 8k time by 1:46 during the season.

On the women's side, head coach Ann Alyanak named Anne Oltman the recipient of the Coach's Award. "Anne Oltman has displayed excellent leadership this season and was just a true team player," Alyanak commented. "She always made sure to do all the little things and did a great job of supporting her teammates."

The Rookie of the Year went to freshman Brigitte Sherman. Sherman was Dayton's second finisher at five meets this season and led the team at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional. "Brigitte adjusted to collegiate running very well and made huge contributions to the team from the start. I am excited to see her progress, "said Alyanak.

Liz Coorey rounded out the awards. The Flyer freshman earned Most Valuable Runner honors as she led the team at three meets throughout the fall and was among the top 3 finishers at the other races. "Liz had a tremendous freshmen season and ran very consistently at each race," said coach Alyanak. "She has had a valuable impact by pushing her teammates at practices and making everyone better in the process."