Dallas – Liberty swept Conference USA’s Athlete of the Week titles this week, with honors being given to Nicholas Kiprotich, Eli Julian, Allie Zealand and Mackenzie Babcock.
Men’s Athlete of the Week – Nicholas Kiprotich – Liberty – Redshirt Sr. – Eldoret, Kenya
Kiprotich finished a team-best 13th of 155 runners at the adidas XC Challenge, covering the 6K course in 18:18.1. He led the Flames to a runner-up finish in the field of 14 men's squads, just behind North Carolina.
Men’s Freshman of the Week – Eli Julian – Liberty – Redshirt Fr. – China Grove, N.C.
Julian placed 30th of 155 runners at the adidas XC Challenge with a 6K time of 19:04.0. He was the fourth-fastest freshman in the race and served as Liberty's No. 5 finisher as the Flames recorded a team runner-up showing.
Women’s Athlete of the Week – Allie Zealand – Liberty – So. – Forest, Va.
Zealand paced the Lady Flames with a fifth-place finish in the 144-runner women's field at the adidas XC Challenge. Her 5K time of 16:36.1 was the fastest of her collegiate career as she led Liberty to fourth place in the women's team standings among the 14-team field.
Women’s Freshman of the Week – Mackenzie Babcock – Liberty – Fr. – Cottage Grove, Wisc.
Making her collegiate debut, Babcock placed 32nd of 144 women's runners at the adidas XC Challenge in a 5K time of 17:38.6. She served as Liberty's No. 4 finisher, helping the Lady Flames come in fourth as a team. Babcock was the sixth-fastest freshman in the race.
2025 Men’s Athlete of the Week
S2 Collins KipKemboi, Kennesaw State
S16 Allan Kiplagat, MTSU
S23 Nicholas Kiprotich, Liberty
2025 Men’s Freshman of the Week
S2 Nolan McGregor, Jacksonville State
S16 Nelbat Kirwa, Jacksonville State
S23 Eli Julian, Liberty
2025 Women’s Athlete of the Week
S2 Mercy Jebet, Jacksonville State
S16 Faith Nyathi, MTSU
S23 Allie Zealand, Liberty
2025 Women’s Freshman of the Week
S2 Mercy Jebet, Jacksonville State
S16 Jepkurui Kurgoi, Jacksonville State
S23 Mackenzie Babcock, Liberty