XC: Runners of the Week receive national awards

VANCOUVER - National award winners Lauren McNeil (UBC Okanagan) and Eric Lutz (Calgary) were named Canada West Cross Country Runners of the Week after their performances at the U SPORTS Championships on Saturday in Quebec City.

McNeil was the U SPORTS Women's Cross Country Rookie of the Year, while Lutz took home the Student-Athlete Community Service award in U SPORTS Men's Cross Country.

It was the second silver medal at a major competition this season for McNeil on Saturday. The Buxton, England native finished in a time of 28:28.2, just three seconds behind the winner. McNeil, who also won a silver at the CW Championship in Saskatoon in October, earned First Team All-Canadian status.

Lutz finished in a time of 24:51.0 to take home eighth place in the national championship. The fourth-year Dino from Red Deer, Alta. was the second highest finishing athlete from the conference and earned Second Team All-Canadian status for his efforts.

Event log:
U SPORTS National Championship
Lauren McNeil: 2nd Place, First Team All-Canadian, Rookie of the Year

Event log:
U SPORTS National Championship
Eric Lutz: 8th Place, SecondTeam All-Canadian, Student-Athlete Community Service Award

Event log:
U SPORTS National Championship
Eric Lutz: 8th Place, SecondTeam All-Canadian, Student-Athlete Community Service Award