2005 "Roads Scholars" Class:

Ann McGranahan: Ann is a 26-year-old runner who has recently relocated to Blacksburg, Virginia. Previously, she had trained at Zap Fitness in North Carolina under the tutelage of Coach Pete Rea following her career at Villanova University. Her goals are to train consistently with a sound training program and to race well at the national and international levels. As a volunteer assistant coach at Virginia Tech, Ann has access to training facilities and coaching. More importantly, she has an opportunity to be a positive example for the younger runners at Virginia Tech. She has run a track 5K in 15:45 at the USATF track and field championships.

James Carney: James is a 27-year-old runner currently living in Marina, California and training with the Big Sur Distance Project. His recent performances include a 28:31 10K at the 2004 USATF national championships, and a fourth place finish in the 2005 Gate River Run 15K with a time of 44:14. James has put his professional career on hold to reach his running potential and become a world-class runner.

Trent Briney: Trent is also 27 years old. He lives in Rochester Hills, Michigan and trains with the Hanson Running Program. He has run 2:12:34 at the 2004 US Olympic Marathon Trials and was an alternate for the Athens Olympic Games. Of running, Trent says, "It gives me a great opportunity to be a role model for younger people. I enjoy showing them what dedication; dreams, work ethic, and never giving up can do for them. I like to set an example of the type of character that will enable their passion or passions in life to bloom."

Mike Morgan: Mike is a 25-year-old runner living in Lincoln, Nebraska. In 2005, Mike ran 1:04:48 at the USATF Half Marathon Championships in Houston, Texas. According to Mike, "Running has had a positive affect for me physically, socially, and psychologically." Mike's favorite workout consists of a two mile warm-up followed by eight miles of negative split running, starting at 6 minute pace and working down to a 4:45 per mile pace. "This workout is as tough as nails, but it is something that I can fall back on mentally and physically when I am hurting late in a race."

Luci Hull: Luci is a 24-year-old runner living in Raleigh, North Carolina. Among her recent performances are a 27:38 8K at the USATF 8K championships and a 26:55 8K at the Outback 8K. According to Luci, "Since I began running as a high school freshmen, I have found a steady and growing passion for the sport. With each year, my devotion and intensity have developed to the point where competitive running is a large part of my life and even defines who I am." Luci adds, "The Roads Scholar grant is a great fit for me because it was designed to help athletes like myself who struggle financially and show great promise to develop into world class athletes."

Casey Owens is a 23-year-old runner who lives in Springfield, Missouri. Although she has used up her collegiate eligibility, she will graduate from Southwest Missouri State University in December. Her performances include a 33:36 10K at the 2005 Stanford Invitational, and a 16:15 5K at the Iowa State Open Indoor also in 2005.

See the Road Runners Club of America Web site.