Matt Hughes helped the University of Louisville cross country program get off to a good start this season and was named men’s BIG EAST Athlete of the Week on Thursday by the conference office for his efforts. The Cardinals participated in the Mid-America Opener in Evansville, Ind. last weekend and placed first out of four teams, while also placing six of the top 10 finishers to score 20 points.
Hughes, a redshirt sophomore, helped the Cardinals to their third straight victory in a season-opening race. He completed the 6,000-meter course in 18:06.33 and led a trio of UofL athletes who finished in the top three against a field of 39 other individual runners. The Cards won the meet by 18 points, finishing ahead of Indiana State and Evansville.
“I am happy for Hughes and his fast start this past weekend,” said Allen. “Hopefully he can carry that momentum going forward.”
The BIG EAST will be selecting one male and one female runner each week for the award based on individual efforts each week of the season.
After the Cardinals two week break they will compete in the Midwest Open in Kenosha, Wisc. on September 19. It will be a preview of the same course the BIG EAST Championships will be run on.
For the most up-to-date information on Louisville Cross Country, visit UofL Sports
