Lawler finishes 14th at Foot Locker Nationals

Dec 12, 2015

Ellie Lawler wasn't really focused on any particular time or placement at Saturday's Foot Locker Nationals in San Diego..

"I was just happy to be there," said the South Kingstown sophomore. "I just wanted to give it my all."

It would be safe to say that Lawler gave it her all against the best runners in the country. Running a steady pace throughout the race, the Rebel standout finished 14th overall with a time of 17 minutes, 56.60 seconds for the five-kilometer course at San Diego's Balboa Park.

Winning the race was Virginia's Kelati Weini of Heritage, who broke the tape in 17:09.71.

"I got a really good start," she said. I wasn't too far back and didn't get caught up in a pack. I was at a comfortable pace and was able to maintain my position."

Lawler, who won her first state crown last month and was eighth at the Foot Locker Northeast Regionals two weeks ago, didn't let the high-quality field effect her mindset.

"She ran a strong but comfortable first mile and maintained that position throughout," said South Kingstown coach Sherry Hathaway, who made the cross-country trek with her star harrier. "She just stayed focused. I could see the determination in her face."

Lawler's top-15 finish earned her All-American status. She becomes the first RI girl to garner that distinction since Portsmouth's Laura Turner placed 13th in 1997.

"I didn't expect anything more than that," Hathaway said. "She looked great. She looked relaxed, more than she did at the Northeast meet."

"I was pretty sure I was in 14th when I crossed the finish line," Lawler said. "I am just super happy."