Catch-Up: Recent News and Notes

We see we've fallen behind on some recent happenings in the sport, so we're going to try to, um, catch up.

Alicia Rue ... was named the Big Ten Field Event Athlete of the Week for the third time this season after her victory at the Iowa State Classic last weekend. Rue is currently the #1-ranked vaulter in NCAA Division I at 14-4.

Laura Hermanson ... was named the Summit League's Track and Field Athlete of the Week for the second straight week after setting a North Dakota State University record in the mile at 4:41.96. The Burnsville High School grad is the #3-ranked 800 meter runner in Division I at 2:04.54 -- right behind #2-ranked Heather Dorniden of the U of M at 2:04.39.

Olympian Shani Marks ... earned a $5000 Elite Athlete Development Grant from the USA Track & Field Foundation. Marks earned the same grant in 2008. The Elite Athlete Grant Program contributes to the pursuit of world-class performances by American post-collegiate track and field athletes.

Dan Casper and Linda Sone ... finished 12th and 16th in their divisions at the New York Road Runner Empire State Building Run-Up. The Northfield couple clocked 12 minutes, 22 seconds and 16:00, respectively, climbing the stairs to the top of 102 story New York City landmark.

Run N Fun ... was recently robbed at gunpoint, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported, HERE. Police suspect the two armed men also robbed a nearby health food store shortly before robbing RNF.