GLIAC -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced its weekly awards following the second week of competition of the 2026 cross country season. Saginaw Valley State's Jacob Walker and Michigan Tech's Sophia Rhein have been recognized for their standout performances.
MALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Jacob Walker, Saginaw Valley State
Jacob Walker earned his second career GLIAC Athlete of the Week after leading the men's team to a win in the Jack Shaw 8K at the George Dales Invite hosted by Western Michigan in Kalamazoo on Friday. Walker placed second in the individual standings with a PR time of 24:15.3 that had the Cardinals defeat five NCAA Division I programs in the win.
FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Sophia Rhein, Michigan Tech
Michigan Tech senior Sophia Rhein won the women's 6K at the season-opening Oshkosh Titan Fall Classic on Saturday. Rhein crossed the line with a time of 21:27.3—15 seconds in front of the second-place finisher. The time was her career-best, and she helped lead the Huskies to the team victory.
