By: UC Sports Information

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Following a standout performance in his Cumberlands debut, Collin De Julio was named the NAIA Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week, the national office announced Wednesday. The honor marks the first of De Julio's career.

The Folsom, Calif. native captured the individual title at the IWU Wildcat Twilight Invitational on Friday, crossing the finish line in 18:32.3. De Julio topped a field of 241 runners in the 6K race to earn the victory in his first race wearing the Patriot uniform.

De Julio's performance helped lead Cumberlands to the team title as UC finished first out of 17 teams with 34 points. The Patriots finished 15 points ahead of runner-up Indiana Wesleyan and placed three runners inside the top five.

The senior adds the national honor after being named the Mid-South Conference Runner of the Week on Monday. De Julio becomes the first Patriot to earn NAIA Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week honors since Serhii Shevchenko received the award on September 6, 2023.

De Julio and the Patriots will return to the course on Friday, September 18, at the Southern Showcase in Jacksonville, Ala.

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