Vancouver, Wash. (Nov. 21, 2009) --- The Milligan College women's cross country team finished 11^th at the 2009 NAIA Cross Country National Championships Saturday in Vancouver, Wash. Individually, sophomores Austin Ellis (Charlottesville, Va.) and Gillian Giffen (Knoxville, Tenn.) earned All-American honors with their performance.

Giffen, a two-time AAC runner of the year, added NAIA Cross Country All-American to her already impressive résumé Saturday in the 30^th running of the women's national championships. The highest AAC finisher on the women's side, Giffen crossed the line in 18:43 to place 21^st overall.

Three Milligan freshmen were next for the Lady Buffs in Catie McMahon (Lanoka Harbor, N.J.), Leah Nelson (Johnson City, Tenn.) and Lauren Hubbard (Kingsport, Tenn.). McMahon finished the 5K in 19:31, while Nelson and Hubbard were seconds apart at 20:03 and 20:05, respectively. Rounding out the Lady Buffs top five was junior Lili Zaldana (Bristol, Tenn.) in 20:12.

As in previous years, the Lady Buffs had a higher finish in the championships than they were voted in the final national rankings. The Milligan women were also the highest AAC finisher of any school men or women.

"We have two young squads so I was extremely pleased with how our teams performed in very difficult course conditions," commented Head Coach Chris Layne.

On the men's side, Ellis earned his second All-American honors at this year's 53^rd annual men's championship. Ellis, the AAC runner of the year, finished the 8K in a time of 25:44 en-route to his 23^rd place finish. Senior Aaron Wood (Auroa, Colo.) competing in his final cross country race of his illustrious career finished in 27:28, while sophomore Brendan Hawkins (Limestone, Tenn.) was right behind with a time of 27:43.

"Austin and Gillian closed out outstanding seasons and are setting a great example for our younger student-athletes," added Layne.

For complete results and information on the 2009 NAIA Cross Country National Championships, click here.

For more information regarding the Buffs and Lady Buffs, click here.