GCAC awards: Jackson ties record, Fakler extends hers

 Kwame Jackson and Catherine Fakler

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Kwame Jackson tied a Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's cross country career record when he was named GCAC Runner of the Week for Sept. 15-21. It's the 13th time that Jackson has been honored.

Earning the GCAC women's award was Xavier's Catherine Fakler, who extended her career record to 11. Jackson and Fakler have won four times apiece in as many weeks this season.

Jackson is from Kingwood, Texas, and a graduate of Kingwood Park High School. Fakler is from Phoenix, Ariz., and a graduate of Xavier College Preparatory Roman Catholic High School. Both are XU seniors.

Jackson, who shares the GCAC men's record with former teammate Matt Pieri, finished 11th out of 54 runners in the LSU Invitational at Baton Rouge, La. He ran 5,000 meters in 16 minutes, 15.94 seconds — the Gold Rush's fifth-fastest 5K of the past 12 seasons.

Fakler ran her 5K in 19:10.99 to place eighth out of 48 women. Her time was the eighth fastest in Gold Nuggets history.

Both XU teams earned their highest-ever finish at the LSU Invitational. The Nuggets placed third, and the Rush placed fourth. Both teams finished ahead of a pair of NCAA Division I opponents. Xavier is an NAIA member.

Xavier will compete Saturday in the McNeese Cowboy Stampede at Lake Charles, La.


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

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