Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Macon, Ga. (Oct. 11, 2006) - ETSU sophomore Michael Deren (Blasdell, N.Y.) was named Atlantic Sun Runner of the Week, Wednesday by the conference office. Over the weekend, Deren helped the Bucs win their first meet of the season by defeating conference foes Kennesaw State, Campbell and Gardner-Webb, along with UNC-Asheville and Wofford. He becomes the first ETSU runner to win the award this season.

Deren had a stellar performance over the weekend as he won his first-ever collegiate race at the Gardner-Webb Dual Meet last Friday. He finished the 6K race with a time of 18:59, 11 seconds faster than second-place finisher. The math major has led the charge for the Bucs this season, as he has been the first ETSU runner to cross the finish in three consecutive meets.

The Bucs will travel to Boone, N.C. on Friday to compete in the Blue Ridge Open. The race is hosted by Appalachian State and will being at 4 p.m.

The Atlantic Sun Runner of the Week is announced every Wednesday during the 2006 cross country season.

The 10-member league headquartered in Macon, Ga., consists of Belmont, Campbell, ETSU, Gardner-Webb, Jacksonville, Kennesaw State, Lipscomb, Mercer, North Florida and Stetson with Florida Gulf Coast and USC Upstate beginning competition in 2007-2008.