Elgin, Ill.- Looking to build a championship program for the Judson women’s cross country team, Rich Weinhandl has signed his first recruit for the 2008 season. Rachel Dean has become the first female to sign with the Eagles.
“I can’t think of a better first signee for this historic moment of Judson’s first female cross country team. Rachel not only brings an enormous amount of talent but also she brings a leadership that will be heavily counted on,” says Weinhandl.
Dean is coming to Judson from Lakes Community High School and was a teammate to Judson men’s signee Ethan Hahn. Dean qualified for the state cross country meet this past fall and has a best time of 18:08 in the three-mile. She was coached by Kellie Doyle and is the daughter of Brian and Beth Dean.
She is a two-time team MVP and was the most improved runner on the team in 2006. In the 2007 season, she was the team captain, was given the Eagle Pride and Leading Eagle Award, and the Academic Achievement Award.
She also participates in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Operation Snowball, and is on the Prom Committee. She is the daughter of Bryand and Beth Dean.
Judson is starting both men’s and women’s cross country back up after a 12 year absence. The program was cut after the 1996 season for both programs. The men’s team produced two Judson Athletes of the Year in Dan Westlund (1982) and Mike O’Brien (1996). Westlund was voted into the Judson Hall of Fame in 2006 for his cross country accolades. He was a four-time all-NIIC (Northern Illinois Intercollegiate Conference) runner and team MVP. He was also a two-time NCCAA (National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association) All-American, NAIA National Qualifier, and all-NAIA District team member. The men’s team also won three straight NIIC Championships in 1993, 1994, and 1995 along with being the NAIA District Champions in 1993.
