Nov. 16, 2004

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - When Western Washington University's Laura Trevellyan runs in the NCAA Division II National Cross Country Championships on Saturday at Evansville, Ind., it won't just be her last competition of the season, it will be her last competition of the school year.

Trevellyan, who also is a national caliber distance runner in track, leaves in January to spend winter and spring quarters on an internship in Mexico.

"Knowing it's my final event this year, I just want to go out and compete and have fun," said Trevellyan, who will work in orphanages while improving her Spanish.

A junior from Vashon, Trevellyan is an interdisciplinary concepts major at Western's Fairhaven College.

This is Trevellyan's second straight trip to nationals where she earned All-America honors last year by placing 21st. The top 25 finishers at nationals earn All-America recognition, but that's not necessarily Trevellyan's main goal this year.

"It's something that's in the back of my mind," she said, "but I'm just going there to do the best I can. I don't like going in with specific goals. I run and compete because I love doing it, and it's exciting. I just want to go out there and see what I might be able to do."

Western coach Pee Wee Halsell said, "She's certainly capable of being an All-American, but it's always important to step up at that level, like she did last year. It's going to be a battle, but she might even sneak into the top 10."

Trevellyan feels well prepared for this year's competition because she has been there before, and because of the support from her Western teammates.

"Getting a lot of support from my team has been really nice," said Trevellyan of her fellow Vikings, who have continued to work out with her despite their season being over. "I just love our team. We take running seriously, but we also have a lot of fun. We have a really close and supportive team."

Trevellyan admits to being a little nervous about the competition, but feels that should only enhance her running.

"I'm trying to channel my nerves into positive energy because that's what gets me going and gets better results. The work has been done and now I'm excited to run."

Trevellyan has been outstanding this fall. She was Western's top finisher in every meet, placing second at the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championships, and earning a trip to nationals by finishing third at the NCAA II West Regional.

"I had a really solid summer of training and it seems to be coming together this fall," said Trevellyan.

"I'm excited for her and about her chances to do well," Halsell said. "She's confident, she believes in herself and she's willing to go in there and compete."