Emory University junior Bennett Shaw (San Jose, CA) and senior Gabrielle Stravach (Westfield, NJ) have been named by the University Athletic Association as Cross Country Athletes of the Week after helping their teams to strong performances at the Furman Classic. It is the second time in Stravach’s career that she has earned the award, while Shaw was recognized for the first time.

Shaw turned in a personal-best 8k time at the meet, with his 25:34 pacing the Emory pack and ranking 21^st in the 175-runner field. It represented the second time in his career that he ranked as the Eagles' No. 1 runner.  Bennett's effort helped the No. 21-ranked men record a fifth-place finish out of 14 teams at the Classic.

Stravach led the women’s contingent and crossed the finish line in the seventh position out of 163 runners with a 6k time of 21:34, which represented her second-fastest mark during her collegiate career.  Dating from last season, it was the ninth straight time that Stravach had ranked as the team’s No. 1 runner.  The No. 22-ranked women’s side registered a fifth-place effort out of 17 programs at the Classic.

Both teams return to action this Saturday (Sept. 16) when they compete at the University of North Georgia Invitational.