The second set of 2026 Gulf South Conference Cross Country Weekly Awards presented by Athletic Solutions were announced following performances from Sept. 14-20.
MEN’S RUNNER OF THE WEEK
Kylian Boulanger, Fr., Lee
- Competed at the Southern Showcase running in the Invite section against a Division I-laden field.
- Finished 39th out of 302 runners during his collegiate debut, completing the 8K course in 24:54.4.
- Was the sixth fastest freshman competing and posted the best time of any GSC runner.
- Led the Flames to an 11th place finish, ranking as the top Division II team and beating out several Division I programs.
Other nominees: Cole Robinson, UAH; Caleb Yoder, AUM; Baxter Friedman, Mississippi Christian; Ryan Cox, Montevallo; Aaron Fynnardt, Union; Nick Waddell, Valdosta State; Lorenzo Pelusi, West Alabama
WOMEN’S RUNNER OF THE WEEK
Ava Sparks, So., Lee
- Opened the season with a strong performance at the Southern Showcase hosted by Jacksonville State.
- Ran the Invite section against a Division I-laden field, finishing 28th out of 309 competitors, navigating the 5K course in a time of 17:30.0.
- Posted a personal best and the fastest time of any GSC runner.
- Led the Lady Flames to a ninth-place finish, ranking as the top Division II team and beating out several Division I programs.
Other nominees: Lexi Hinote, UAH; Chloe Helms, AUM; Catherine Wallace, Mississippi Christian; Ava Taylor, Montevallo; Addi Aguayo, Union; Samantha Savion-Rios, Valdosta State
MEN’S FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Kylian Boulanger, Fr., Lee
- Competed at the Southern Showcase running in the Invite section against a Division I-laden field.
- Finished 39th out of 302 runners during his collegiate debut, completing the 8K course in 24:54.4.
- Was the sixth fastest freshman competing and posted the best time of any GSC runner.
- Led the Flames to an 11th place finish, ranking as the top Division II team and beating out several Division I programs.
Other nominees: Tristan Bryan, Mississippi Christian; Joshua Sasser, Montevallo; Jonathan Lewis, Union; Liam LeBrocq, Valdosta State
WOMEN’S FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Eleni Stemmildt, Christian Brothers
- Ran against a Division I-heavy field in the Invite section of the Southern Showcase.
- Completed the 5K course in a time of 17:49.5, placing her 50th out of 309 runners.
- Her performance was the fastest time for a freshman in program history.
- She was the fourth GSC runner to finish and the first freshman from the conference.
Other nominees: Rose Betts, UAH; Lena Parker, AUM; Sofia Fregona, Lee; Andi Kate Holley, Mississippi Christian; Adelin Glover, Montevallo; Kate Brent, Trevecca Nazarene; Elodie Weaver, Union.
2026 GSC Cross Country Weekly Award Winners
Men’s
Sept. 9: Baxter Friedman, Mississippi Christian (Runner); Whitt Kilgore, Mississippi Christian (Freshman)
Sept. 23: Kylian Boulanger, Lee (Runner): Kylian Boulanger, Lee (Freshman)
Women’s
Sept. 9: Addi Aguayo, Union (Runner); Eleni Stemmildt, Christian Brothers (Freshman)
Sept. 23: Ava Sparks, Lee (Runner); Eleni Stemmildt, Christian Brothers (Freshman)