April 1, 2006

FUKUOKA, Japan - Baylor freshman Erin Bedell (Plano, Texas) ran 21:20 to finish 35th overall, second on the team, as the United States Junior National Team finished eighth at the World Cross Country Championships Saturday at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Fukuoka, Japan.

Bedell, who was named captain of the team, ran in her second straight world championship after finishing 28th overall last year in St. Galmier, France. She led the Bears to a 15th -place finish at the 2005 NCAA Championships, finishing 40th overall - best among true freshman at the meet.

Kenya won the team title, followed by Ethiopia and host Japan.

Bedell will rejoin her Baylor teammates in time for the Texas Relays Thursday in Austin, Texas. She also has an online journal, "Around the World with Erin Bedell," which can be viewed at the following link: http://baylorbears.collegesports.com/sports/c-track/spec-rel/032806aaa.html.