Cross Country Runner Named LSWA Co-Freshman of the Year

Brittany Wilkens

Brittany Wilkens, number 14 on the right, competes in the Summit League Championships held here Nov. 1. Wilkens has been named LSWA Co-Freshman of the Year. (photo by Rick DelaHaya)

SHREVEPORT, La.— After leading Centenary College in every cross country race in 2008, freshman Brittany Wilkens has been named Louisiana Sports Writers Association Co-Freshman of the Year and first team All-LSWA.

Wilkens, a native of Tyler, Texas, was the Ladies' top runner in all six meets, which includes winning the Northwestern State Invitational. She received the Summit League Runner of the Week Award after her victory at the invitational.

She also placed second at the Louisiana-Monroe meet, and fourth at the Centenary Invitational, while recording a season-best time of 16:18 in her first collegiate race at the Louisiana Tech.

"This is a great honor for Brittany and for the team," said head coach Shelly Armstrong. "Brittany had a great freshman season and I know she will only get better as time goes on, and I think she will also win more races."

This is the second LSWA Freshman of the Year honor for Centenary in 2008, as she joins women's basketball student-athlete Anne Farrell.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and is regularly rated as one of the top colleges in the South. In 2008 Centenary College celebrates 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.