SoCon XC athletes of the week announced

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – ETSU’s Jason Bowers and Mercer’s Mary Grace Parker have been named the Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Runners of the Week, respectively, following all competitions held October 1–7. 

The Buccaneers competed at the Live in Lou Cross Country Classic in Louisville, Kentucky. Bowers surged from 39th place at the 2.1-kilometer split to claim his second consecutive race victory. The ETSU redshirt junior crossed the finish line in 23:23.0—15 seconds ahead of the runner-up—earning his third Runner of the Week honor this season. 

Mercer’s women’s team raced in a competitive field of 14 teams at the Georgia Tech Invitational. Freshman Mary Grace Parker led the Bears with a fourth-place finish, clocking in at 20:56.3. It marked her second time as Mercer’s top finisher this season. The Wilsonville, Alabama native helped pace the Bears to a second-place team finish. 

Both teams are preparing for their final tune-ups ahead of the Southern Conference Championship. ETSU will travel to Salem, Virginia, for the Roanoke Invitational, while Mercer heads to College Station, Texas, for the Arturo Barrios Invitational. 

Also Nominated (Men): Jack Martin (Chattanooga) 

Also Nominated (Women): Sophie Beach (ETSU), Maddie Wheatcroft (Chattanooga) 

2025 Southern Conference Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Week  

Sept. 3 - Chris Knight, Furman 

Sept. 10 - No Competition 

 Sept. 17 - Jason Bowers, ETSU  

Sept. 24 - Jason Bowers, ETSU 

Oct. 1 - Chris Knight, Furman 

Oct. 8 - Jason Bowers, ETSU  

2025 Southern Conference Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week  

Sept. 3 -  Tessa Walter, Furman 

Sept. 10 - No Competition  

Sept. 17 - Nichole Harris, Mercer 

Sept. 24 - Julia Visgueiro, ETSU  

Oct. 1 - Tessa Walter, Furman 

Oct. 8 – Mary Grace Parker, Mercer