More GCAC weekly awards for Xavier's Fakler and Pieri

Matt Pieri

Catherine Fakler

NEW ORLEANS — Catherine Fakler and Matt Pieri of Xavier University of Louisiana were selected the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Runners of the Week for Oct. 1-7. It's the second time this season that each earned that honor.

Fakler, a sophomore from Phoenix, Ariz., and a graduate of Xavier College Preparatory Roman Catholic High School, broke the XU women's record for 6,000 meters for the second time this season and the third time in her career. She ran that distance in 24 minutes, 7.38 seconds and finished third among non-NCAA Division I athletes in the Mississippi College/Watson Ford Invitational cross country meet at Clinton, Miss. Fakler led the Gold Nuggets to their second team championship of the season.

Pieri, a senior from New Orleans and a graduate of Brother Martin High School, extended his GCAC men's career record with 12 weekly awards. He has earned the honor at least twice in each of his four seasons. Pieri finished second among non-Division I runners in the MC/Watson Ford men's 8K race in 27:12.43. It was the 16th top-10 finish and 11th top-5 finish of Pieri's career.

Both XU teams will return to Clinton to compete Oct. 20 in the GCAC Championships. The Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets both seek a seventh consecutive team championship.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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