NEW ORLEANS – Louisiana’s Matthew Maynard and Marshall’s Rachael Withrow each turned in impressive performances out on the courses they competed on. They have been named Sun Belt Conference Cross Country Runners of the Week.
 
Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Week
Matthew Maynard, Louisiana
(3rd Yr., Baton Rouge, La.)
 
Louisiana’s Matthew Maynard led the men's team at the Texas A&M Aggie Invitational with a 26th-place finish in the 8K event in 25:19.4. The Baton Rouge, La., native helped the Ragin' Cajuns to a 10th-place finish in the team's opening meet.
 
Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week
Rachael Withrow, Marshall
(4th Yr., Winfield, West Virginia)
 
Marshall’s Rachael Withrow won the Queen City Invite - her second 5K victory in as many weeks to lead Marshall Women's Cross Country on Friday. Withrow's time of 16:18.9 won the meet by over a minute. The Herd's senior holds the two fastest times in the conference this season after her 16:11.2 5K time the week prior. The Winfield, West Virginia, native helped lead Marshall to a third place finish at a crowded 26 team field in Charlotte.
 
2026 Sun Belt Men’s Cross Country Runners of the Week
Week 1 – Brady Keller, South Alabama
Week 2 – Matthew Maynard, Louisiana
 
2026 Sun Belt Women’s Cross Country Runners of the Week
Week 1 – Rachael Withrow, Marshall
Week 2 – Rachael Withrow, Marshall