FARMINGTON, Utah (Oct. 20, 2026) – The final weekend of Big Sky Conference cross country action is in the books for the 2026 season, resulting in a trio of Athlete of the Week honors.
Co-Men’s XC Athlete of the Week: Luke Mest, Montana
Becoming the first Grizzly to win a men’s cross country race since 2013 earned Montana’s Luke Mest Men’s Co-Men’s Athlete of the Week honors. Mest won the LC State Invitational, crossing the tape in 24:06 to claim the first individual victory for Montana on the men’s side in 13 seasons.
Co-Men’s XC Athlete of the Week: Sam Ells, Montana State
Securing a Top 30 finish at the biggest national meet this past weekend earned Montana State’s Sam Ells Co-Athlete of the Week honors. Ells finished in 27
th at the Pre-National Invitational in Terre Haute, Indiana, making him the fastest Mountain Region individual finisher at the meet. His time of 23:43.6 helped pace the Bobcats to a 12
th place finish.
For Ells, this marks his third weekly honor from the Big Sky this season.
Others Nominated: Tristan Persons (UNC), Vince Estrada (PSU), Ryan Hatch (UT)
Women’s: XC Athlete of the Week: Niamh Motley, Montana State
Pacing the Bobcats to an impressive team finish at the Pre-National Invitational has earned Bobcat Niamh Motley Women’s Cross Country Athlete of the Week honors. She crossed the finish line in 20:27.6, the fastest time by a Bobcat this year, to lead the Cats to 28th place overall, 10 spots higher than their initial ranking among the competitive 43-team field. She’s the second different Bobcat to earn Women’s XC Athlete of the Week this season, with teammate Claire Rutherfod claiming a pair of titles.
Others Nominated: Sara Sanders (EWU), Malia Bradford (UM), Sabina Storia (UNC), Brianna Mazilu (PSU), Averie Perriton (UT)
Next Up
The 2026 Big Sky Conference Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships will take place next Friday, October 30 in Flagstaff, Arizona.
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