Academy of Art University Athletics

Awarded NCAA DII National Athlete of the Week by the USTFCCCA on Monday, graduate student Gatien Airiau was at the forefront of a 349-runner Conference Cross-Over this past weekend. The meet featured eight nationally-ranked teams.

For much of the 8k race, Airiau stayed with a pack of four from No. 3 Grand Valley State, No. 9 California Baptist, and Cedarville atop the collection of competitors. However, his final push was enough to vault him not only into first overall, but had him at 24:42.8 and nearly six full seconds ahead of the second-place finisher. His average mile pace was average mile pace was 4:58.3.

"Gas ran a very smart race and beat some of the best in the country," said director of track & field/cross country Torrey Olson. "He has come so far since last year both in fitness and race savvy. It was a pleasure to watch."