Whether it's cross country or track season, more times than not Granite Bay High standout Caitlin Chock seems to get a jump on the competition.

She did it again last week, only this time it was with her lungs, not her legs.

Chock announced Wednesday that she has verbally committed to attend the University of Richmond (VA) on a cross-country scholarship next fall.

The Spiders' women's team won the Atlantic-10 Conference title this season and head coach Lori Taylor was named coach of the year. Her husband Steve, an a alternate for the United States Olympic marathon team in 1992, assists the women's team and is the head coach of Richmond's men's team.

After visiting the campus two weeks ago with her mother, Linda, Caitlin quickly realized her choice would be easy.

"I got to hang out with the team," Chock said. "And they were really fun and we clicked right away. The school also has a really outstanding academic program, which was something else I was looking at. When I told them I was coming, (the Taylor's) were both really excited. Hopefully it will be like a second family."

Linda Chock was apprehensive at first about her daughter being so far from home. That changed following the weekend visit.

"It's such a great fit for her," The campus is beautiful and Steve and Lori were great.

Caitlin Chock's personal bests:

3200M - 10:38
5000M - 17:25
10,000M- 36:01
1500M - 4:46
1600 - 5:04

Caitlin Chock's accomplishments:

2002--1st place finish California State Meet X-Country 2002--4th
place finish
Footlocker West Finals 2002--26th place finish Footlocker National Finals 2001--2nd place finish California State Meet X-Country
2000--4th place finish California State Meet X-Country
2000--1st place finish National Junior Olympics X-Country Champion 2000-2003--Four time X-Country League winner
2000-2003--Four time X-Country Sub-Section winner
2000-2002--Three time X-Country Section winner (going after fourth title on Saturday 11/15/03)