Tech Track, Cross Country Signs National Champion
November 12, 1999 | Women's Cross Country
Lyman, out of Cheyenne Central High School in Cheyenne Wyo., was one of the most sought after track and field recruits in the nation this year after winning the mile run at the Simplot Games, the nation's premier indoor high school track meet. She was the Wyoming state champion in the mile and two-mile races. She chose Tech over a number of schools, including national powerhouse and Big 12 cross country champion Colorado.
Smith, who helped mold Tech's Leigh Daniel into a two-time NCAA distance events champion, described Lyman's commitment as a "huge signing".
"She is definitely one of the top 30 distance recruits in the nation," Smith said. "Her best time in the two-mile was 10:55, but she ran that at 6,000-feet above sea level, so it's more like a 10:45."
Lyman's top time in the mile is 4:57.80, which would have scored at last year's Big 12 conference meet.
Lyman's signing is a manifestation of the unparalleled success the cross country program has had this season. Currently the women are ranked No. 28 in the country and are looking to qualify for a berth in the NCAA national meet, a feat that can be accomplished with a good showing at this weekend's Mountain Regional Cross Country Championships in Fort Collins, Colo.