San Francisco, CA --- Although her season was slightly shortened by an early injury, junior Irinel Zamfir came on strong at the end and has been named the 2009 Pacific West Conference Newcomer of the Year. Zamfir finished with the top time of any Academy of Art University runner in four of the team's final five meets, helping the Urban Knights achieve success in a late push. The announcement was made on Sunday, August 1, 2010 by the conference media office in Phoenix, AZ.
"Irinel was a very important part of our women's team last year and was consistently our number one girl," Interim Head Coach Anne Ricketts said. "I wouldn't say she had the season she wanted because she has been battling through so many injuries, and was never able to run consistently as a result. Irinel is a very experienced and naturally talented runner, not to mention a very competitive person, so even if she isn't in tip top condition, she can still run fast and place pretty well in races. We needed her to score for us, she knew it, so I think she ran through some pain for the sake of the team."
Zamfir made her first big mark on the Knights' 2009 campaign when she placed 4th overall at the Crystal Springs Invitational on Sept. 2. She then achieved a new personal best (19:25) in arguably her strongest race of the year at the Santa Clara Bronco Invitational on Oct. 17 where she placed 4th yet again.
In one final dual meet against Notre Dame de Namur University before the PacWest Conference Championships, Zamfir finished in 1st place for the first time in her two-year career. She was recognized with the PacWest Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week honors for her efforts.
"Even though Irinel has missed a lot of races due to injury the past two years, whenever she runs, she always gives 100% and I respect that about her," Coach Ricketts said. "Irinel has endless energy and enthusiasm for running. All I want for her is to see her get healthy and experience that joy of running and competing again."
Zamfir continued her string of impressive performances at the league championships on Oct. 31 where an 8th place individual result earned her All-PacWest Second Team honors. An Academy of Art University squad that battled through injuries all season ended up finishing 4th overall at the meet.
"Irinel and the rest of the girls worked so hard last season," added Coach Ricketts. "By the time conference came, Irinel's foot was ready for a break, but she didn't complain, she knew we needed her and she gave her all. I think all the returnees worked really hard last season, and they are excited to see what we can do in the PacWest with a fuller and more experienced squad this year."
Check out the PacWest Conference press release here!
