Nov. 29, 2006

METAIRIE, LA. - Two members of the Michigan State women's cross country team have been honored by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association with selection to the 2006 Division I Women's All-America Cross Country Team. Alissa McKaig (10th, 21:06.7) was the top Spartan finisher at the Division I NCAA Championship Meet hosted by Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind., on Nov. 20., while Michelle Rafferty finished as one of the top-30 American runners (33rd, 21:23.1) to garner All-America accolades.

"Alissa (McKaig) has been a great addition to the squad - as more than just a runner. She is a bright spot in the program already and we know she will grow, mature and be a leader for our program down the road," associate head coach Rita Arndt-Molis said. "Michelle's (Rafferty) career really came together at the national meet, especially with this honor. She put in so much time, effort and made a great commitment to our program. Both awards are very well-deserved."

Michelle Rafferty

McKaig was the top Spartan finisher in every meet this season, while Rafferty finished the year with two second-place finishes. It marks the first time the Spartan women have had multiple All-Americans since the 1981 season (Anne Pewe, Jill Washburn, Karen Campbell-Lutzke).

The NCAA Division I All-America Cross Country Team consists of the top-30 finishers at the NCAA Championships plus an equal number of U.S. athletes displaced by non-U.S. citizens in the top 30. Since seven non-U.S. citizens finished in the top 30 at the NCAA meet, this year's All-America Team consists of 37 athletes.

The complete list of 2006 All-Americans can be found on the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association website, U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Website