SEATTLE (Nov. 13) ­ Due to illness, Seattle Pacific University cross country runner Meredith Crane has been forced to withdraw form this week¹s NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships in Chino, Ca.

Crane (Jr, Yakima, Wa./Davis) won three races, was runner-up in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference and placed fifth in the West Regional to qualify for the national meet. She has been plagued by a viral infection since mid-October.

"It shows what a quality runner Meredith is, to do so well while feeling far from her best," said Falcon coach Doris Heritage. "But those last two races have taken so much out of her, it was best to give her rest and restore her health."