Dec. 8, 2004

Irving, Texas and Charlotte, N.C. - Charlotte senior Ed Schlichter (Chambersburg, Pa.) ended his collegiate cross country career on a high note Wednesday, earning recognition as Conference USA's Male Co-Athlete of the Year. Schlichter shared the honor with Sesar Figueroa of C-USA champion Houston, it was announced today by the conference.

Schlichter had the best time among all C-USA male athletes at the various NCAA Regional Championships, finishing the Southeast Region's 10K course in 30:59. He earned 21st place and a nod as an All-Southeast Region performer in his final collegiate cross country race, leading Charlotte to an eighth-place team showing in Greenville, N.C.

"This news is really exciting for Ed and the program," said head cross country coach Brad Herbster. "This is the first time that a Charlotte men's runner has been cross country Athlete of the Year. Ed worked hard all year, and it's great that the conference recognized that."

Schlichter earned All-Conference USA honors with a ninth-place finish at the C-USA Championships this year, guiding the 49ers to second place in the team competition. He led the team in every race this season.

For Schlichter, who is currently competing on Charlotte's track & field team, the award caps off a very successful collegiate career. In his four seasons running cross country for the 49ers, Schlichter was twice an All-Conference USA selection. He earned his first All C-USA award in 2002, when the Niners captured their first and only conference team championship.

Charlotte's Molly Kerin, who was named to Conference USA's All-Decade team earlier this fall, is the only Niner female runner to win C-USA Athlete of the Year. She was the Conference's first-ever cross country champion, winning the inaugural title in 1995.

Houston's Figueroa secured All-South Central honors in Waco, Texas, after leading the Cougars to a fourth-place team finish. Figueroa placed 19th overall covering the 10K course in 31:03.