Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Chemadi Named National Athlete of the Week
9/19/2019 12:38:00 PM | Men's Cross Country and Track & Field, Track & Field/Cross Country
MURFREESBORO, Tenn.—Cross Country's Kigen Chemadi was named National Athlete of the Week by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Monday.
"The award is a big honor. It's a huge encouragement having a great training program and the support that enables us to compete at the highest level of NCAA cross country," Chemadi said.
After drawing a redshirt last season, Chemadi is back in action for the 2019 Cross Country season with the Blue Raiders and is off to an impressive start.
Chemadi has already won two individual titles this season, leading his team to first place victories on both occasions. Most recently, he placed first at the Commodore Classic where he and his team topped two nationally ranked teams, No. 14 Ole Miss and No. 15 Indiana.
"Well deserved respect from the Coaches Association. He has proven to be one of the top athletes in the NCAA with his third place finish at the NCAA Steeplechase," said Head Coach Keith Vroman.
As a junior, Chemadi competed in the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and claimed first-team All-American in the 3,000-meter steeplechase after finishing third overall with a time of 8:40.22.
In the Commodore Classic, Chemadi finished with a time of 24:21.2, three seconds faster than Indiana's Kyle Mau and 29 seconds faster than his third place finish at the same course in 2017. In Memphis, Chemadi placed first at the Twilight XC Classic with a time of 19:27.22.
Chemadi received the National Athlete of the Week honor for the first time in 2017, and he also received the Conference USA XC Athlete of the Week award earlier this season.
"He put in a great block of work this summer and is beginning to reap the benefits," Vroman said.
"The award is a big honor. It's a huge encouragement having a great training program and the support that enables us to compete at the highest level of NCAA cross country," Chemadi said.
After drawing a redshirt last season, Chemadi is back in action for the 2019 Cross Country season with the Blue Raiders and is off to an impressive start.
Chemadi has already won two individual titles this season, leading his team to first place victories on both occasions. Most recently, he placed first at the Commodore Classic where he and his team topped two nationally ranked teams, No. 14 Ole Miss and No. 15 Indiana.
"Well deserved respect from the Coaches Association. He has proven to be one of the top athletes in the NCAA with his third place finish at the NCAA Steeplechase," said Head Coach Keith Vroman.
As a junior, Chemadi competed in the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and claimed first-team All-American in the 3,000-meter steeplechase after finishing third overall with a time of 8:40.22.
In the Commodore Classic, Chemadi finished with a time of 24:21.2, three seconds faster than Indiana's Kyle Mau and 29 seconds faster than his third place finish at the same course in 2017. In Memphis, Chemadi placed first at the Twilight XC Classic with a time of 19:27.22.
Chemadi received the National Athlete of the Week honor for the first time in 2017, and he also received the Conference USA XC Athlete of the Week award earlier this season.
"He put in a great block of work this summer and is beginning to reap the benefits," Vroman said.
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Cross Country and Track & Field
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