DENVER – Seattle U’s Eli Boudouris and CSU Bakersfield’s Angel Valdez have been named Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Male and Female Cross Country Runners of the Week, respectively, for Oct. 11 – 17.
Boudouris, a sophomore from Portland, Ore. (Grant HS), ran a strong race at the Emerald City Open to lead the Redhawks to a second-place finish among 10 teams. Seattle U took first-place among college teams. Boudouris was the first collegiate runner to cross the finish line, finishing the 8000-meter race in 25:54.00. He took third place overall in a field of 125 runners.
"Eli has approached this season with more focus and intensity," head coach Trisha Steidl said. "I'm proud of the changes he's made which have allowed him to have the successes he's had so far this season. The consistent training he put in over the summer and this season is paying off physically as well as mentally, and that shows in how he's been racing this year. The confidence he has, coupled with his desire to test his limits, paid off with a big improvement and top finish at Emerald City. I know there's still more that he has to give this season, and am looking forward to the opportunity for him to show what he's got at Conference and Regionals."
Other male nominees: Grand Canyon’s Samuel Proctor was the top finisher for the Lopes at the Bronco Invitational, placing 39th with a time of 24:38 … UMKC’s Bryce Miller led the Roos to a fifth place finish at the Pre-Nationals in Terre Haute, Ind., placing 16th among 134 runners … Utah Valley’s Tyson Lambertfinished 60th in the Blue Race at Pre-Nationals in Terre Haute, Ind.
Other female nominees: Grand Canyon’s Elizabeth Balsan improved her previous PR in the 6000-meter by 24 seconds at the Bronco Invitational … UMKC’s Chandler Carreon finished 58th out of 168 runners at the Pre-Nationals in Terre Haute, Ind. … Seattle U’s Lila Rice took second at the Emerald City Open with a time of 22:18.00 … Utah Valley’s Savannah Berry led the Wolverines for the third time this season, taking 35th at the Pre-Nationals in Terre Haute, Ind.