Cross country: Dowling's Flood 1st at Nike Nationals
BY MATT YBALTOWSKI • SPECIAL TO THE REGISTER • DECEMBER 5, 2009
Portland, Ore. - Last year at this time, Katie Flood remained hobbled by two sore knees as a 4-inch growth spurt kept her from competing for a national championship.
On Saturday, Flood proved she is fully healed by using a strong kick to outduel Kathleen Stevens of Blacksburg XC Club (Va.) and capture the individual title at the Nike Cross Nationals at Portland Meadows. Moments later, the Dowling Catholic senior held a roll of the finish line in her hands and received congratulations from her teammates. Without last year's disappointment, Flood might not have had the motivation to make a late rally.