Freshman Maegan Leider of the women’s cross country team is the third Taco Bell Athlete of the Week for the 2012-13 academic year. She is earning the award for the first time of her career.
Leider set a program record by running the fastest time in school history on a 5,000-meter course at the UTSA Ricardo Romo/Six Flags Fiesta Texas/HEB Classic on Friday, Sept. 14. She navigated the course in 19:30.9 to place 12th overall and first among NCAA Division III athletes. Current teammate Megan Wagenaar held the previous 5k record of 19:32.38, which she established at the 2011 Concordia Invitational.
Leider's 5k time helped Concordia place third among 10 scoring teams and first among D3 schools at the meet. The Tornados only finished behind two NCAA Division I teams and ahead of three Division II programs. In addition, Concordia beat out all of its American Southwest Conference competition.
“I have been very impressed with Maegan’s work ethic and attitude since day one,” said reigning ASC Coach of the Year Alex Aldaco. “I am not surprised to see her succeed so early in her career, and I expect to continue to see great things from her as the season progresses.”
Leider, a pre-nursing major from Lakewood, Colo., is the daughter of Margie Cupps and Beck Leider. She has two brothers, Kevin and AJ, and two sisters, Becka and Erin.
