GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College cross country runner Sarah Burnell '14 (Grinnell, Iowa/Grinnell) proved she was best in the Midwest Conference on Saturday.

Now, she is best in the nation.

Burnell was named the NCAA Division III National Athlete of the Week by the United States Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (see story here).

Burnell won the MWC title for the second year in a row, pulling away from Abrah Masterson of Cornell College on the Oakland Acres Golf Club course. She won with a time of 22:42.73 over the 6-kilometer course.

Burnell's win sparked the Pioneers to a 56-57 victory over Cornell.