PORTLAND, Ore. – Central Washington University had three standout athletes recognized by the Great Northwest Atlantic Conference for their stellar performances last week.
 
RESULTS
Ramon Rodriguez earned GNAC Men's Runner of The Week after winning the 8K in the Pacific Lutheran Invitational in 24:26.3. In his second career collegiate race, he took home the victory, which is impressive and will look to continue to build off his early season success. He led consistently throughout the race, evidenced in his split times where he was always in the top five.

Payton Conover earned GNAC Women's Runner of The Week as she placed eighth in the 6K at the Pacific Lutheran Invitational with a time of 22:53.4. to lead the 'Cats. Conover looks to continue her impressive start to the season as the freshman is showing great potential.

Hannah Stires earned GNAC Volleyball Defensive Player of The Week as she proved to be instrumental on the defensive side for the Wildcats, earning 41 digs in the two matches over the weekend. Stires was also part of the effort to build the offense with six assists. 
 
QUOTING HEAD COACH JONATHAN HILL:
"Really proud of this group and all the hard work they've put in to get this recognition. Coach Layten has brought in a special class of kids. He's really done a lot to flip the landscape of the endurance group in a short period of time."
 
QUOTING ASSISTANT COACH MATT LAYTEN:
Layten on Rodriguez's performance. "An outstanding young man and gritty when it comes to training and racing! He earned this honor with the run this past week, setting himself up for more as this season progresses and the rest of our team this year as they continue working towards big things!"  

Layten on Conover's performance. "Well deserved honor and run by Payton this past weekend! A top 10 finish in your first collegiate 6K and second collegiate start is not a small feat. She is an outstanding young lady and is always working to get better, which is inspiring our young group of lady Wildcats in the example she sets!"
 
QUOTING HEAD COACH MARIO ANDAYA:
"Hannah was exceptional last week in terms of stats, but the way she trains every day is always evident in matches. Her work ethic, energy, and production is always at a high level in training and matches. Hannah's leadership was evident this weekend as well. With a lot of young players, and some newcomers, it is important leaders like Hannah mentor them on how to prepare and compete in the GNAC on the road."
 
UP NEXT
Rodriguez and Conover will look to continue their impressive results as they compete at the George Bowles Invitational on October 5^th in Salem, Oregon, at 8:30 a.m.

Stires will return to action on Thursday, September 26^th, as Central Washington takes on Montana State Billings in Ellensburg at 7:00 p.m. PST. The Wildcats will continue their homestand, facing Seattle Pacific University on Saturday, September 28^th in Ellensburg at the Nicholson Arena at 1:00 p.m.
 
Read the full GNAC release HERE.