June 12, 2009

FAYETTVILLE, Ark. - On Thursday, June 11, Providence College senior Danette Doetzel (Macklin, Sask.) finished her amazing career with the Friars claiming her first NCAA title by capturing the 10,000 meters in a time of 33:25.71 at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship in Fayettville, Ark. It marks the 11th NCAA individual title for the Providence College women's track and cross country program under coach Ray Treacy.

Doetzel ran a tactically smart race, remaining up front with the lead pack of five runners.  Defending champion Lisa Koll of Iowa State led for the first half of the 25 lap race.  With two and half laps to go, Doetzel surged to the lead and began to pull away from the field.  Doetzel ran her final lap in a blistering 71.40 seconds, finishing in a time of 33 minutes 25.71 seconds.  Cecily Lemmon of Brigham Young University finished in second-place, nearly 14 seconds behind Doetzel.  

This race marks the perfect ending to Doetzel's illustrious career at Providence College.  In her time with the Friars, she claimed five All-America honors, three BIG EAST titles, and two Northeast Regional cross country titles.  Doetzel becomes the first Providence College track athlete to win an NCAA title in the 10,000 meters, forever leaving her mark in Providence College history.  

Senior Danette Doetzel After Winning NCAA 10,000 Meter Title

On the men's side, sophomore David McCarthy (Waterford, Ireland) qualified for the final of the 1,500 meters to be held on Saturday, June 13.  McCarthy placed fifth in his preliminary heat, but his time of 3:41.71 was fast enough to qualify him for the final.  

CBS College Sports TV will be televising Friday (6pm-9pm) and Saturday (12pm-2pm) at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.  Check your local listings for more information.  Be sure to check back to Friars.com for more news and results.

- GO FRIARS -