Mead, Duwell Named Athletes of the Month

Golden Gopher harriers Hassan Mead and Megan Duwell were named Athletes of the Month for October by USA Track and Field - Minnesota yesterday.

Mead, a U of M sophomore, was recognized for his second place finish in the Division I men’s race at the Roy Griak Invitational cross country meet, hosted by the Gophers last month. Mead, a Minneapolis South alum, was a cross country all-American as a freshman in 2007.

Duwell, a Gopher junior, was honored for her own runner-up finish in the Division I women’s race at Griak. Duwell led the Minnesota women to their second-straight Griak team title.

USA Track & Field Minnesota selects Athletes of the Month to honor excellence in track and field and its related sports in Minnesota. USA Track & Field is the governing body of the sport in the United States and the Minnesota Association of USATF sanctions and sponsors track and field, cross country, road racing, and racewalking events for athletes of all ages in the state.

Speaking of the Gophers ... Both Minnesota cross country team held their spots in the latest NCAA Division I poll. The Gopher women are still ranked a program-best #4 in the country, while the Gopher men are #14. The Gopher women are the #1-ranked team in the Midwest Region, while the Gopher men are ranked #3 regionally.

Find the complete national poll HERE ... and the full regional rankings HERE.

Both teams compete at this weekend's Pre-National Meet in Terre Haute, Indiana. Seedings for the meet will be posted HERE later today.