KANSAS — Austin Howell and Serenity Desrosier Larson, both of the University of Saint Mary, were named the KCAC Cross Country Men's and Women's Runners of the Week, respectively, the conference office announced Tuesday. The two student-athletes were selected for their performances from Sept. 14-20 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by
Athletic Solutions.
Austin Howell - #15 University of Saint Mary
Sr. | Lansing, Kan.
Howell had another strong week for the No. 15-ranked Spires. His final time of 24:52 in the 8K puts him on the Top 20 USM All-Time list in that event. This success took place at an extremely competitive meet, with Howell facing off against mainly NCAA Div. I and II runners.
Serenity Desrosier Larson - #16 University of Saint Mary
Sr. | Dodge City, Kan.
Larson had a huge weekend running for the No. 16-ranked Spire women's team. Her final time of 20:44 in the 6K secured the USM school record in that event, coming at a meet in which she was competing against NCAA Div. I and II competition.
2026 KCAC CROSS COUNTRY SEASON PREVIOUS WEEKLY HONOREES:
- Week 1 (Sept. 8): Brian Fackert, McPherson (Men) | Lexi Patterson, Friends (Women)
- Week 2 (Sept. 14): Ethan Smith, Evangel (Men) | Kirstin Hackney, Kansas Wesleyan (Women)
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ABOUT THE KANSAS COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and sponsors 29 varsity sports. Founded in 1890, the KCAC is the second oldest intercollegiate athletic conference in the country. As the conference home to 14 member institutions, the KCAC emphasizes commitment, cooperation, high achievement, and working towards a common goal in the act of competition. To keep up with the latest conference news, follow the KCAC on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram using the handle @kcacsports.
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