March 31, 2006

FUKUOKA, Japan - Baylor freshman Erin Bedell (Plano, Texas) will captain the United States Junior National Team at the World Cross Country Championships Saturday at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Fukuoka, Japan.

Bedell was named captain of the team Wednesday and will be running in her second straight world championship after finishing 28th overall last year in St. Galmier, France. She led the Bears to a 15th -place finish at the 2005 NCAA Championships, finishing 40th overall - best among true freshman at the meet.

Currently, Bedell has the top time in the nation in the 1,500 meters with a time of 4:21.37, well below the regional qualifying standard, and will rejoin her teammates in time for the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays next week in Austin, Texas.

The championship begins with the junior women's race Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Bedell also has an online journal, "Around the World with Erin Bedell," which can be viewed by clicking here.