Dec. 1, 2008

Guelph Ontario, Canada--Cross Country's freshman Stephanie Aldea returned to her home in Canada to compete in the Junior Canadian Cross Country Championships Saturday where she finished 13th overall in the 5K.

On a snow and ice covered course, Aldea finished with a time of 18:57.10.

The junior division of the race is for the top Canadian runners of age 19 and under.

The Windsor, Ontario-native just came off a 215th-place finish at the NCAA Men and Women's Cross Country Championships Monday, Nov. 24, just five days before racing in the Canadian Cross Country Championships.

"I am very proud of Stephanie," head coach Ryan Turner said. "She had to battle some adversity today with the cold and snow, but she took it all in stride and competed well. Now it is time to give Stephanie some physical and mental time off before she will refocus and prepare for the upcoming indoor and outdoor seasons."

Visit http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view_video/234301/85939-stephanie-aldea-12th-jr to watch Aldea's interview after the race.