October 15, 2012 -- USA South Runners of the Week (from CNUsports.com)

Post date: Oct 16, 2012 12:23:45 AM

Eaton, Showalter, and Zook Capture Weekly USA South Cross Country Honors

Zook was named the men's Runner of the Week, while Eaton and Showalter swept the rookie honors

10/15/2012 4:53:00 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Following strong efforts at the CNU Invitational on Saturday, Aaron Zook was named the men's USA South Cross Country Runner of the Week, while freshmen Eliza Eaton and Josh Showalter swept the Rookie of the Week honors after helping Christopher Newport excel during the squad's home meet.

Zook became the third Captain to earn the men's top award this season after leading CNU to a fifth-place showing over the weekend. During the 8k competition, the junior standout cruised to a 10th-place showing after crossing the line in 26:16.81. With that effort, the Harrisonburg native set a new personal best.

So far this season, Zook has been outstanding for Christopher Newport. After placing seventh overall at the CNU/VWC Opener, he has earned top-50 finishes during a pair of prestigious competitions over the past month. At the William & Mary meet, he was 46th overall before equaling that finish in Oregon at the Willamette Invitational.

In addition to Zook, Showalter helped guide the Captains on Saturday as well. Building upon his outstanding freshman campaign, the Leesburg native placed 34th in the field of 124 runners. Recording the fourth-best time among freshmen during the meet, he eventually clocked in at 27:31.71.

Overall, Showalter has now captured the USA South Rookie of the Week award four times and was named the conference's top runner on September 17. In Christopher Newport's four meets this season, he placed second during the CNU Opener, 36th at William & Mary, and 65th at Willamette prior to his top-50 showing on Saturday.

On the women's side, Eaton was sensational for the Captains, placing third on the team and 23rd overall in a field of 147 runners. During the 6k, the Christiansburg native cruised to a time of 24:19.16, which was the sixth-fastest pace of any first-year competitor.

During her first season at CNU, Eaton has pieced together an outstanding freshman campaign. After placing fourth overall at the CNU Opener, she posted a 49th-place effort at William & Mary before coming in 81st at Willamette. She is now the third Captain to earn the USA South Rookie of the Week award after Lydia Cromwell and Melissa Rizor garnered the accolade earlier in the year.

The three standouts will be back in action with the rest of their teammates on October 27 for the USA South Championship. Christopher Newport will look to defend its titles at Hagan Stone Park in Greensboro, N.C.