SoCon announces women's cross country athlete of the week

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Furman’s Kate Bannigan has been named the Southern Conference Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week following all competition held October 8-14. 

The Furman women traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 10 for the Royals Cross Country Challenge.  

Bannigan led the Paladins and all SoCon runners, placing seventh in the event. The Furman newcomer dropped nearly two minutes off her previous 5k time this season, recording a personal best 17:36.  

A native of Delmar, New York, Bannigan ranks fifth among 5k performers in the Southern Conference this season.  

Bannigan’s recognition marks the third weekly honor for the Furman program this season.  

Furman will take the course for its final tuneup before the conference championship at the Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational on October 17. 

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  

Oct. 15 – No Nominations 

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 

Oct. 15 – Kate Bannigan, Furman