CORVALLIS, Ore. - Justin Ash was named the rize Laboratory CCC Men's Cross Country runner of the week on Monday morning, Oct. 3. His performance at the Forty-Seventh Annual Charles Bowles Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 1 earned him the nod for the third time this season. Ash has gotten off to an incredible start and has won the award each week he has competed in the 2022 campaign.

In Eastern's biggest meet to date, Ash once again rose to the occasion finishing in the top 10 out of a field of 208 runners. The sophomore led all EOU runners finishing tenth in the 8k race with a time of 24:44.2. The Baker City native was put to the test against a competitive field that included NCAA Division I talent and post collegiate competitors. 

"Despite not feeling 100%, Justin put himself up front last weekend and competed well with some high level NCAA Division I and post collegiate runners," Coach Ben Welch said. "It was a very gutsy, tough performance ."

Ash and the Mountaineers will get the coming weekend off and return to action on Saturday, Oct. 15. EOU will compete at the Lewis and Clark Invite held in Estacada, Ore. The Women's Cross Country team will start the day off with a 6k race starting at 10:15 a.m. followed by the Men's 8k at 11 a.m.