HILLSBORO, Ore. - The Northwest Conference is proud to announce its Student-Athletes of the Week in Cross Country for the week of September 11th through September 18th.
Men’s Cross Country- Student-Athlete of the Week
Ryan Stracke I Pacific Lutheran | SR | Puyallup, Wash. | Rogers
Stracke, the two-time reigning NWC Champion, was the top finishing D3 competitor on Saturday at the PLU Invitational, finishing the 8K course in 25:04.1. Stracke was fourth overall, finishing behind a trio of D2 runners at the race featuring 128 competitors.
Women’s Cross Country Student-Athlete of the Week
Kayla Aalpoel I George Fox | SO. | Bellingham, Wash. | Meridian
After missing the first race of the season, Kayla Aalpoel returned in style, winning the Oak Knoll Loop Run. The sophomore finished her 6k in 21:51.1, a time that would place her 5th in program history. Aalpoel took down D-I opponents from Portland, Portland State, and Oregon State. In addition, the sophomore finished ahead of NWC opponents in Willamette and Linfield — with the nearest NWC competitor finishing 45 seconds behind.