March 31, 2008

Edinburgh, Scotland - The University of Tulsa's Alex Becker and John Beattie became TU's first athletes to compete International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Cross Country Championships. Three-time All-American Becker finished 63rd in the women's senior 8K race with a time of 28:20. Beattie placed 137th in the men's senior 12K race with a time of 39:21.

Becker, a junior and native of Guelph, Ontario, Canada was the top Canadian finisher. Becker, the youngest member of Canadian women's team led her nation to a 12th-place finish. She will look to continue her success stateside as leads the TU women's squad in the 2008 outdoor season.

Beattie, a junior and native of Southampton, England was the ninth finisher for Great Britain. Beattie along with his countrymen placed 11th in the team competition. He attempt to continue his success since transferring from Southampton University, after claiming the Conference USA Male Newcomer of the Year awards in cross country and indoor track.