CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi College cross country runners swept the Gulf South Conference weekly awards after their standout performances at the Rhodes College Cross Country Invitational over the weekend. Four Choctaw athletes earned honors for their efforts, highlighting the program's strength early in the season.

On the men's side, Christian Balcer claimed the GSC Men's Runner of the Week honors after finishing 1st overall in the 8k race with a time of 25:06. Balcer's performance was the fastest time posted in the conference this week, solidifying his position as one of the top runners in the GSC.

Freshman Gabe McElwain was named GSC Men's Freshman of the Week after finishing as the No. 2 freshman at the meet, crossing the line in 26:33. His time also ranked second among all GSC freshmen and landed in the top 10 overall in the conference this week.

On the women's side, Taylor Benoit earned GSC Women's Runner of the Week honors after a dominant first-place finish in the 6k, posting a time of 22:37. Her performance was the fastest 6k time in the GSC this week, further establishing her as one of the top runners in the conference.

Freshman Kate Finch was named GSC Women's Freshman of the Week after finishing 13th overall with a time of 23:58. Finch was the fourth overall freshman in the meet and the top freshman finisher in the GSC. Her time also ranked in the top 10 overall in the conference this week.

Mississippi College cross country will look to continue their momentum as they head into the heart of their season, with strong contenders emerging on both the men's and women's sides.