Nov. 20, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- UAB junior Elizabeth Ambrus will compete at the 2005 NCAA Cross Country Championship on Monday at Terre Haute, Ind. Ambrus, who is only the second Blazer ever to compete in the championship, received an at-large bid from the NCAA after placing eighth in the South Regional on Nov. 12.

Ambrus helped UAB to its highest-ever finish in the regional and was named an All-South region performer in the event. In the 2004 regional, Ambrus was running third in the race but ran off course and was disqualified, thus ending her chance to run at the 2004 National Championship.

"This is a thrill for Elizabeth," said UAB head coach Ray Stanfield. "After last year's disappointment, it's great to see her get this chance. Elizabeth has led us all season and I look for her to do well against some of the country's best."

Thirty-one teams were selected to participate in each championship. The top two, seven-person teams automatically qualified from each of the nine regions, for a total of 18 teams. Thirteen additional teams were selected at-large. Additionally, 38 individuals, the first four athletes from each region who are not a part of a qualifying team and two additional qualifiers, were selected to participate in each championship.

Indiana State University will host the championship at the LaVern Gibson Championship Course located at the Wabash Valley Family Sports Center. The men's race will begin at noon (ET) followed by the women's race at 1:15 p.m. Results will be available at www.ncaasports.com.