FRISCO, Texas – Southeastern Louisiana senior Henry Rop and McNeese State senior Tinette Burger were named the Southland Conference men's and women's cross country athletes of the week, respectively, by vote of the league's sports information directors Tuesday. 
 

Men's Cross Country Athlete of the Week – Henry Rop

A native of Kapsabet, Kenya, Rop broke away from the lead pack late and won the LSU Invitational by over 18 seconds Saturday at Highland Road Park. He completed the 8K event in 25:40.49, while LSU's Richard Chautin needed 25:58.90, finishing second.

Rop's victory was his second in as many weeks, having crossed the line first at the Azalea City Classic on Sept. 18 in Mobile, Ala. 

Honorable Mention: David Rooney, McNeese State; Dennis Yeats, Stephen F. Austin; Patrick Kimeli, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
 
Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Week – Tinette Burger

Burger led McNeese State to the title in the LSU Invitational with a second place finish in the 6k run with a 20:54.83 time.  She was nipped at the finish line by Tulane's Julia Whitrock who posted a 20:53.40 time.

A native of Upington, South Africa, Burger paced the Cowgirls to beat out Houston, Tulane and LSU for the title. 

Honorable Mention: Kadi Whisnant, Nicholls; Stephanie Ganter, Stephen F. Austin; Emily Koenig, UT Arlington; Julia Sambu, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.