AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn cross country senior Ryan Kinnane was selected as the SEC Men's Runner of the Week, the league office announced Tuesday.
Kinnane outran a field of 304 participants to capture the first meet win of his collegiate career in the men's 8k at the Southern Showcase in Huntsville, Alabama. He set a new personal best time after crossing the finish line in 23:19.90. Kinnane beat a handful of runners from the SEC as No. 23 Alabama, Kentucky and Ole Miss also appeared in the meet.
"He ran an outstanding race," Auburn cross country coach Aaron Kindt said. "He was in control throughout. There was never a moment where he was pressed or uncomfortable. That's exactly what we want this time of the year for our best runner. We wanted him to run a smart race and have plenty let in the tank."
The Wichita, Kansas native helped the Tigers to a second-place finish with 81 points.
Kinnane is the second Auburn cross country runner to receive weekly honors from the SEC this month after Mary Mac Collins was named Women's Freshman of the Week.
Kinnane and the Tigers will return to action next Friday, Sept. 29, at the Coat-to-Coast Battle in Beantown in Boston, Massachusetts.