IRVINE, Calif. - Redshirt freshman Juan Chantaca has been named the Big West Men's Cross Country Athlete of the Week the conference office announced Tuesday afternoon.
 
Chantaca was recognized after taking second among 116 finishers at the season-opening Irvine Invitational, which UCI co-hosted with Concordia at the Great Park. In his first collegiate cross country race, Chantaca led three Anteaters in the top-10, covering the 8K course in 25:10.9.
 
This is the first career award for Chantaca, while it marks the second year in a row an 'Eater has been recognized as the Big West Men's Cross Country Athlete of the Week.