Pitt senior Maureen McCandless just did what no Pitt woman has ever done.

McCandless became… Pitt senior Maureen McCandless just did what no Pitt woman has ever done.

McCandless became the first Pitt women’s cross country runner to earn All-American honors by placing fifth at the NCAA National Championships, hosted by Indiana State University on Nov. 22.

“It’s a tremendous step for us,” head coach Alonzo Webb said. “It’s history-making. This is the highest finish in the history of the University in cross country”

This was McCandless’ second trip to nationals. Two years ago she also competed, although with less success, because of an injury. She and her coach agree that the previous experience helped.

“I think it was a tremendous asset for her to run here before,” Webb said. “She knew what to expect this time. Two years ago, she was just happy to be here. She got that out of her system.”

McCandless said she was just doing what she had done all season: running a consistent race and finishing strong. She stayed with the lead pack throughout the race, allowing only pre-race favorite and eventual winner Kim Smith of Providence to pull away. McCandless finished the six-kilometer course in 20:38, only 30 seconds behind Smith. While the course was slow and muddy as a result of overnight rain, and her time was not her best of the season, none of that mattered to Webb.

“We try and teach these kids to be competitive,” Webb said. “Don’t worry about times or any of that; you want to be competitive with the top runners and that’s what she did.”

To her coach, McCandless’ accomplishments earlier in the season, along with her ability to remain healthy and confident, were imperative to her success. She had won the Mid-Atlantic regional meet a week prior, and placed third at the Big East championship before that.

“I didn’t shock myself when I got fifth,” McCandless admitted. “I knew I was capable of doing that.”

So while her cross-country career is over, the best woman to ever lace up her spikes for Pitt cross country hopes that her accomplishments can make future teams even better.

“I wish I could be around for future years,” she said. “I am hoping my success at cross country can help coach Webb to build this program.”