The Gulf South Conference announced its third men’s and women’s cross country Athletes of the Week awardees of the 2025 season for performances from September 15-21.
GSC WOMEN’S RUNNER OF THE WEEK
Addi Aguayo, Jr., Union
Aguayo posted a runner-up finish in a field of 107 runners as she competed in the Rhodes College Invitational at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, Tenn. The junior posted a time of 18:22 in the 5K course. As a result, she was Union’s top finisher as the Bulldogs placed sixth in the team competition.
Other nominees: Kaydi Blanchard, Mississippi College; Mercy Lomuria, West Alabama; Elyse Carmichael, West Florida
GSC WOMEN’S FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Elyse Carmichael, Fr., West Florida
Setting a program record, Carmichael placed second as she competed in the Firehawk Invitational. The rookie navigated the 6K course, clocking a time of 22:03, making her the top DII and freshman finisher. She helped lead the Argonauts to a second-place team finish in a 15-team field.
Other nominees: Kaley Byrd, Christian Brothers; Kaydi Blanchard, Mississippi College; Hadar Bigers, Trevecca; Clara Zinn, Union
GSC MEN’S RUNNER OF THE WEEK
Aaron Fynaardt, Jr., Union
Fynaardt delivered a strong performance at the Rhodes College Invitational, finishing second in a field of 122 runners. The sophomore traversed the eight-kilometer course finishing with a time of 25:01. He was Union’s top competitor as the team took home third with 130 points.
Other nominees: Christian Balcer, Mississippi College; Mathis Breton, West Alabama; Carson King, West Florida
GSC MEN’S FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Lorenzo Pelusi, Fr., West Alabama
Pelusi placed ninth in the Firehawk Invitational held at the Oakville Indian Mounds. The rookie completed the 8K course with a time of 26:08.9. He helped lead West Alabama to first place in the team race with 50 points.
Other nominees: William McCollough, Christian Brothers; Sam Bryan, Mississippi College; Clark French, Union; 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)
Sept. 24: Addi Aguayo, Union (Runner); Elyse Carmichael, West Florida (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)
Sept. 24: Aaron Fynaardt, Union (Runner); Lorenzo Pelusi, UWA (Freshman)