Eagles’ Colten Lee named SAC Runner of the Week after first place finish in season opener
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman Cross Country runner Colten Lee earns SAC Runner of the Week honor after impressive showing at the LMU Railsplitter Open.
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Carson-Newman Cross Country runner Colten Lee earns SAC Runner of the Week honors after impressive showing at the LMU Railsplitter Open.
"It means a lot to with this the first meet," Lee said. "It gives me confidence going into the season and something we can build upon."
In the first 6K race of his collegiate career, Lee set a new personal best running the race in a time of 19:40.7.
Despite a difficult course to open the season, Lee won first place at the LMU Railsplitters Open with an 18-second lead in front of the second place runner.
"In courses like that, you just got to go compete," Lee said. "I want to win and not care about the time and that's what I did."
Head Coach Brent Borden was not surpised by Lee's performnce due to his outstanding focus in practice.
"[Lee] has an unmatched drive and work ethic," said Borden. "Being his former teammate and now coach, I have seen his effort in practice translate to races."
The Eagles faced off against three SAC schools in this meet including Lincoln Memorial, UVA Wise and Tusculum. Despite top performances from Colten Lee and Jenna Pittman, Carson-Newman men's and women's team, earned second behind Lincoln Memorial.
"He [Lee] has always been a competitor," Borden said. "His focus on self-development and internal discipline is what carries him and his teammates to be better. We're excited to see him perform in bigger races."
Lee earned SAC Runner of the Week last season after the season opener in 2023 at the SAC Preview where he won second place.
"I hope to motivate the team leading by example. I hope to see a good performnce from the guys and I know they are ready for the next meet," said Lee.
Lee and the Eagles make their return to the course at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sep. 21 at the Cherokee Farms Invitational in Knoxville, Tenn.
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