JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (September 10, 2025) – The University of North Alabama cross country team swept the Atlantic Sun Conference's weekly awards on Wednesday following a dominant performance at the UNA Invitational this past Friday in Florence.
 
Sophomores Brian Bett and Sandra Maiyo were named ASUN Runners of the Week, while freshmen Jack Gruber and Audrey Becker earned ASUN Freshman of the Week honors.
 
This marks the second round of ASUN cross country weekly awards this season. North Alabama did not compete in week one but claimed all four honors after its season debut.
 
For Bett, this is his eighth weekly award with four ASUN Runner of the Week and four ASUN Freshman of the Week honors. The sophomore has more ASUN Runner and Freshman of the Week awards than any other runner in program history.
 
Maiyo, a transfer from Middle Tennessee State, received her first career conference honor. Gruber and Becker also earned their first collegiate awards.
 
This award follows the UNA Invitational after Bett and Gruber led the Lions to a first-place finish on the men's side. Bett won the individual title for the second consecutive year with a time of 24:31.33, now owning six of the top 15 times in program history.
 
Gruber placed 14th in his collegiate debut as he crossed with a 25:51.59. He was the fourth Lion to place in the home meet.
 
Maiyo led the women's team and claimed the individual title in her purple and white debut, finishing in 17:35.01 — the third-fastest time in program history. Only Teresa Steele (17:09) and Carol Franklin (17:11) posted faster times at the 1985 Vanderbilt Invitational.
 
Becker earned a 35th placement as she finished with a 19:56.03. She earned the first ASUN Women's Freshman of the Week since Sage Betts in 2020.
 
Alongside Becker, Maiyo is the first ASUN Women's Runner of the Week since Traci Pettus in 2023.
 
This is only the second time during the Division I era that North Alabama has swept all four awards. The last time came on March 2, 2021 as Evan Allen, Kara Nix and Sage Betts took home the collective four awards.
 
"Starting the season off with four awards is a huge honor," said head coach Connor Callahan. "This group put in great work over the summer and to get recognition after the first race is great to see. Now, we must continue to work hard and prepare for the weeks ahead. Brian is no stranger to these awards, but it's encouraging to see three newcomers join him."
 
Under Callahan, the Lions have secured 11 ASUN weekly awards during his two seasons at the helm.
 
Next up, the Lions take on the Southern Showcase on Friday, Sept. 12 at John Hunt Park hosted by Jacksonville State.
 
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.