AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn cross country newcomer Cooper Atkins was named the SEC Men's Freshman Runner of the Week by the conference office Tuesday after an outstanding collegiate debut over the weekend at the Foothills Invitational.
The Scottsboro, Ala. native finished the 5k in 15:35.32 to nab fourth place out and give Auburn a sweep of placements one through four. It was the Tigers first team win since the 2017 season.
Atkins was the top freshman finisher in a field of 119 runners. The next closest freshman at the meet finished in 10th place.
SEC Weekly XC Honors (Sept. 7, 2021)
Men's Runner of the Week: Ethan Kern (Kentucky)
Men's Freshman Runner of the Week: Cooper Atkins (Auburn)
Women's Runner of the Week: Lauren Gregory (Arkansas)
Women's Co-Freshman Runner of the Week: Carmie Pinsloo (Arkansas)
Women's Co-Freshman Runner of the Week: Gemma Goddard (Texas A&M)
Atkins and company will return to competition Sept. 17 as the cross country team travels to Tallahassee, Fla. to compete in the FSU Cross Country Open.
