BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Mississippi College men and women's cross country again flexed its muscle as the men swept the Gulf South Conference Weekly awards and Josie Whipp brought home the conference's freshman female performer accolade following the showing at the 20th Annual Live in Lou Classic on Saturday, Oct. 2 in Louisville, Ky.
 
Hunter Kurz was named the GSC's top male performer for the week. Kurz reset the school record in the 8K as he posted a time career-best time of 24:15.9. The Philpot, Ky., native broke the previous mark of 24:31.4 set by teammate Evan del Rio at the 2019 Gulf South Conference Championship. Kurz finished 40th in a Division I-loaded field in northern Kentucky.
 
Christian Balcer claimed his second top male freshman honor this season after posting a career-best time of 24:33.6 in Louisville. The Hurley, Miss., product bested his previous time of 25:00.3 set earlier this season at the University of North Alabama Invitational. Balcer, who was the top male freshman in the conference on Sept. 21, finished the 8K race 57th and was the third-best finisher for MC on the day.
 
Whipp claimed her third top female freshman of the weekly distinction on the campaign. It's the most by any freshman this season in the conference and the fourth for the Navy and Gold. The Baton Rouge, La., native clocked a time of 18:17.5 at the Classic – less than two seconds off here career-best time of 18:15.1 set earlier this season at the Missouri Southern State Stampede in Joplin, Mo.
 
Over the last five weeks of the season, Mississippi College has amassed 12 of the conference's 16 weekly awards this season, including four combined sweeps (three women's, one men's). Three Choctaws have claimed top female performer along with four top female freshmen. On the men's side, there have been three top freshman performers and two top males.
 
Mississippi College returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 9 as it hosts the Watson Collegiate Invitational.