Week 5: GPAC Cross Country Runners of the Week
(Sioux City, Iowa) – The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) and Hauff Mid-America Sports are proud to announce the following Cross Country Runners-of-the-Week for October 2-8, 2023. Hauff Mid-America Sports is the presenting sponsor of the 2023-2024 GPAC Players-of-the-Week and Players and Coaches-of-the-Year awards program.
Hauff Mid-America Sports/GPAC Cross Country Runners-of-the Week
Women – Jessica (Kampman) Walczak, Dordt University
Jessica (Kampman) Walczak of Dordt University is this week's GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Women's Cross Country Runner-of-the-Week. Walczak, a senior from Abbotsford, British Columbia, was the top NAIA runner at the Briar Cliff Invite held last weekend at the Adams Nature Preserve in North Sioux City, South Dakota. She finished third overall among the field of 224 runners and ran a personal-best 6K time of 21:15, one minute faster than her previous best. Walczak has recorded a top five finish in all three meets this season and has 16 for her career. She helped lead the sixth-ranked Defenders to the team title last weekend.
Men – Aidan Vorster, Dordt University
Aidan Vorster of Dordt University is the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Men's Cross Country Runner-of-the-Week. Vorster, a junior from Chino Hills, California, led the sixth-ranked Defenders to the team championship at the Briar Cliff Invite last weekend. Vorster finished second overall among the field of 217 runners and turned in the fastest time among NAIA competitors, covering 8K course with a career-best time of 24:40, 22 seconds faster than his previous best. Vorster's second place finish was also a career-best.