JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – After an impressive start to the season at the 2023 SAC Preview, the Eagles' Colten Lee has been named the SAC Runner of the Week.
The sophomore played a big part in the Eagles' 3rd place finish at the SAC Preview, finishing the 8k at 26:36.91.
"It felt pretty good to have that for the opening race," Lee said. "Last year at this time, I wasn't able to run, so to go out there and get second felt good."
This marks the highest finish in the Knoxville native's young career, with his best finish last year being 19th at the Asics Invitational in October of last season.
"The mileage getting under my belt and the experience helps a lot," Lee said. "Year after year, you're just going in there with more experience and feel more comfortable in the races."
Despite the great start, Lee has his sights set higher for the rest of the season.
"That race started out kind of slow," Lee said. "Jumping out there, running my own race, and not letting the other runners determine what I do."
The Eagles performed well as a team, and Lee cites the team's experience and a mix of newcomers that fuels that success.
"It was great for the team," Lee said. "I like what we have. A lot of new guys coming in and we have a good young core… we return all the scorers too, so I like what I saw and I'm really excited for the season."
Lee and the rest of the Eagles return to the course this Friday at the UNG Cross Country Invite in Oakwood, Georgia.
