Aikens Named SSAC Runner of the Week

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Brittany Aikens has been selected as the SSAC Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week, the conference office announced Tuesday. The senior from Braselton, Ga., was chosen for her performance during the week of Sept. 8-14. As the conference selection, Aikens will be automatically nominated for the NAIA Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week award.

On Sept. 13, Aikens covered the 5-kilometer course in 19:36 to best the 83-runner field at the Saucony Invitational, hosted by Truett-McConnell (Ga.) in Helen, Ga. Aikens toughest competition came from teammate Utami Ketchem, who was the SSAC Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week on Sept. 9. Ketchem placed second with a time of 19:47, just 11 seconds behind Aikens.

As a team, the Golden Tigers ran a combined 5-kilometer time of 1:44:52 to place second in the 10-team field. Each member of Brenau's scoring five placed among the top 15, led by Aikens and Ketchem's one-two finish.

NCAA Division III Covenant (Ga.) claimed the race title, with each member of its scoring five placing among the top 10.

SSAC member Auburn Montgomery (Ala.), NCAA Division III Piedmont (Ga.) and host Truett-McConnell (Ga.) rounded out the top five teams.