Former Oak Park star Skiba earns honors at Cal Lutheran

Women’s cross country senior earns Female Athlete of Week honors for great win on Oct. 18


Melissa Skiba

Melissa Skiba

Cal Lutheran University’s Melissa Skiba earned the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Female Athlete of the Week Award for the week of Oct. 14-20.

For the first time in her CLU career, Skiba took home the top spot in a conference race, pacing the field at the SCIAC Multi Duals on Oct. 18, finishing in 21: 35.32, almost 13 seconds ahead of the next fastest runner.

Skiba is an Oak Park High graduate.

Competing against mostly NAIA teams earlier this season, the senior finished third at both the Vanguard Invitational and Mustang Challenge. Skiba has already lowered her 5K time more than 20 seconds from her seasonopening time.

Last year Skiba became the first NCAA Division III cross country All-American in Cal Lutheran history after placing 11th at nationals in 2012. The former Eagle was named the West Region Track Athlete of the Year in the spring of 2013.

Skiba will have a chance to capture her first individual conference title at the upcoming SCIAC Championships at Prado Park in Chino Hills, Calif., on Nov. 2. She will also look to lead the Regals to an improved team finish after placing sixth last year.


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