SoCon announces cross country runners of the week

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – VMI’s Kevin Shank and Western Carolina’s Katherine Hopkins have been named the Southern Conference men’s and women’s cross country runners of the week, respectively, after all competition Sept. 1-5.

Shank finished 35th at the Spider Alumni Open in Mechanicsville, Virginia, on Friday in a field that included 10th-ranked Virginia. The freshman from Mt. Holly Spring, Pennsylvania, turned in a 19:02.4 over the 6K course, pacing the Keydets and helping the squad land in ninth with 234 points. 

Hopkins led Western Carolina to a team title at the Young Harris XC Opener on Friday. The freshman from Lincolnton, North Carolina, ran a 15:14.3 4K for her first career win, besting the runner-up by 28 seconds. The Catamounts finished the meet with 33 points.

VMI and Western Carolina return to action on Saturday, Sept. 30. VMI travels to Lehigh for the Paul Short run while Western Carolina heads to Louisville for the Live in Lou Classic.

2023 Southern Conference Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Week

Sept. 6             Kevin Shank, VMI

2023 Southern Conference Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week

Sept. 6             Katherine Hopkins, Western Carolina