Women's cross country garners highest GPA award; Casciano recognized for "True Grit"
On the National Scene...|| 2012 Cross Country || Finished 42nd overall in his first appearance at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships, covering the 10K course in 31:30. || 2012 Outdoor || Made a big splash at Penn Relays, anchoring the Lions' to a victory in the 4x800 (7:19.76), solidifying Penn State's first victory in the event since 1987 ... Placed fifth in the 1500 at the USATF Junior National Championships ... Came up just short of qualifying for the NCAA Championships, placing 17th in the 1500 at the NCAA First Round.||2012 Indoor || Named USTFCCCA Mid-Atlantic Track Athlete of the Year ... Took the NCAA by storm, setting Collegiate and American Junior records in the 1000 at the Nittany Lion Challenge, running 2:19.53 ... Was the lone freshman in the NCAA mile field, where he finished 11th overall for Second Team All-America honors ... Clocked sub-4:00 miles on two occasions, including a PR 3:58.94 at the Alex Wilson Last Chance ... Became just the third Nittany Lion to break the four-minute barrier.
At the Big Ten Championships...|| 2012 Cross Country || Was the Nittany Lions' top runner at the Big Ten Championships, finishing in 24th overall in 24:29 for 8K. || 2012 Outdoor || Earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors ... Placed third in the 1500 (3:42.87, PR). || 2012 Indoor || Made two trips to the medal stand, anchoring the Nittany Lions to the program's first Big Ten victory in the DMR (9:44.40), before coming back to finish third individually in the mile ... Was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
On the Course...|| 2012 Cross Country || Took top honors at the Lock Haven Dolan Duals, which was good for Big Ten Athlete of the Week accolades ... Placed 34th at the Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational. || 2011 Cross Country || Redshirted the 2011 season ... Ran unattached in two competitions ... Highest finish was 49th at the Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational.
Around the Track...|| 2012 Outdoor || Set a stadium record with an effort of 3:43.79 for the 1500 at the Bison Outdoor Classic ... Ran a season-best 1:49.92 for the 800 at the LSU Invitational. || 2012 Indoor || Had a sensational freshman campaign, earning first or second-place finishes in all regular season appearances ... Was on the winning DMR at the Penn State National, while also finishing second in the 800 at the same competition (1:48.64) ... Clocked 4:00.68 to finish second in the mile at the Sykes & Sabock Challenge Cup ... Dipped under the 4:00-barrier for the first time at the Washington Husky Classic, running 3:59.52 to take second-place overall.
Before Penn State ... || High School || Robbie Creese, who placed sixth in the 2011 Penn Relays mile, enjoyed an outstanding weekend at the Maryland State AA Championships this spring, turning in a victory in the 3200-meters, as well as second-place efforts in the 800- and 1600-meters. Indoors, Creese took home a trio of Maryland state titles, winning the 800, 1600, and 3200. He would also go on to finish 11th in the mile run at New Balance Indoor Nationals as a senior. Creese will make the trip to Happy Valley with personal bests of 1:54.00 in the 800, 4:10.60 in the mile run, and 9:17.28 for the 3200 coming out of high school. || Personal || Son of Denie and Rob Creese ... Born August 30, 1993 ... Plans to major in Mathematics.
