Oct. 10, 2007

MACON, Ga. - After trudging through the rain and mud en route to a ninth place finish at the Disney World Cross Country Classic in Orlando, Fla. this past weekend, Owls sophomore Peikko Solla was recognized for his efforts with his first-ever Atlantic Sun Conference Male Runner of the Week Award as announced by the conference office Wednesday afternoon.

"Peikko stepped up his game a notch this weekend," said Kennesaw State head coach Stan Sims on the sophomore from Finland. "He deserves this recognition after finishing in the top ten considering the conditions and the depth of the field.

Solla earned the award after leading KSU to a third place finish in a deep field of 45 teams. He posted the fastest time of any Owl in the 8k this season with a time of 25.44.22, eclipsing teammate Nathan Haskins' previous mark by more than four seconds.

"The weather really got everyone fired up," added Sims on the condition of the course. "Rain and mud make for real cross country."

This is the second time in his career that Solla has been recognized by the A-Sun for his achievements, as he was an All-Freshman Team selection last season.

Solla and the Owls return to action on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. EST as they travel to Jacksonville, Ala. for the second time this season to compete in the Jacksonville State Foothills Invitational.