Wheaton, Ill. - Wheaton's Abby Rickard was named the CCIW Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week earlier today, following a top-five finish at the Brissman-Lundeen Invitational last Saturday in Rock Island.

Rickard placed fifth overall in a field of 161 runners, completing the 6K course in 22:54.6. The senior was the top CCIW finisher in the field, and her time currently stands as the fourth fastest in the conference this season. Rickard had the second-fastest time of a Division III competitor, behind only Vivian Kelly of UChicago in 22:49.5.

Rickard's efforts helped lead the Thunder to a third-place team finish at the event, behind only team champion University of Chicago and Division II University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

Rickard and the Thunder compete again at the Augustana Interregional Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 17, for one final race before the CCIW Championship on Oct. 31.