The Gulf South Conference announced its second men’s and women’s cross country Runners of the Week awardees of the 2025 season for performances based races from September 8-14.
GSC WOMEN’S RUNNER OF THE WEEK
Maria Mitchell, Sr., Lee
Mitchell finished 24th in a field of 481 runners, which was dominated by NCAA Division I programs, as she competed in the Southern Showcase at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, Ala. The senior posted a personal-best completing the 5K course in a time of 17:16.7. As a result, she was Lee’s top finisher as the Lady Flames placed 11th in the team competition.
Other nominees: Sable Georgia, Montevallo; Samantha Savion-Rios; Valdosta State; Mercy Lomuria, West Alabama; Elyse Carmichael, West Florida
GSC WOMEN’S RUNNER OF THE WEEK
Capucine Cureau, Fr., Lee
In a field dominated by NCAA Division I runners, Cureau placed 78th as she competed in the Southern Showcase. The rookie navigated the 5K course, clocking a time of 17:56.7, the fastest by a GSC freshman women’s runner this season. She was the second Lady Flame to finish helping the team finish 11th in a 53-team field.
Other nominees: Kaley Byrd, Christian Brothers; Sable George, Montevallo; Hadar Bigers, Trevecca; Samantha Savion-Rios, Valdosta State; Elyse Carmichael, West Florida
GSC MEN’S RUNNER OF THE WEEK
Pierre Chauveau, Sr., Lee
Chauveau delivered a standout performance at the men’s edition of the Southern Showcase, finishing 25th in competitive field dominated by NCAA Division I runners. The French-born sophomore traversed the eight-kilometer course in a personal-best time of 24:14.1. He was Lee’s top finisher as the team took home seventh with 200 points.
Other nominees: Dalton Benefield, AUM; Basile Chevrel, Christian Brothers; Zak Ferguson, Montevallo; Nick Waddell, Valdosta State
GSC MEN’S FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Zak Ferguson, Fr., Montevallo
Ferguson won the Falcon Classic held at the Montevallo XC Course, completing the 8K course in a time of 24:56.08. The performance marked the rookie’s first career individual title and was the second-fastest time in program history. Montevallo finished fourth in the team race with 95 points.
Other nominees: Chris Ross, Lee; James Wilkerson, Valdosta State; Lorenzo Pelosi, West Alabama; Preston Cooper, West Florida
2025 GSC Women’s Cross Country Athletes of the Week
Sept. 10: Addi Aguayo, Union (Runner); Elyse Carmichael, West Florida (Freshman)
Sept. 17: Maria Mitchell, Lee (Runner); Capucine Cureau, Lee (Freshman)
2025 GSC Men’s Cross Country Athletes of the Week
Sept. 10: Aaron Fynaardt, Union (Runner); Evan Christopher, UAH (Freshman)
Sept. 17: Pierre Chauveau, Lee (Runner); Zak Ferguson, Montevallo (Freshman)