Men's Cross Country | Nov 01, 2017

SAINT LEO, Fla. – Saint Leo sophomore Ronald Cheserek was named the Sunshine State Conference 2017 Men's Cross Country Runner of the Year for the second straight year on Wednesday, after claiming the individual crown at the 2017 SSC Championship.

Cheserek is the first men's cross country runner to repeat as SSC Runner of the Year since Florida Southern's Ben Martucci in 2009 and 2010.

Cheserek posted a winning time of 25:33.41 at the SSC meet on October 21, his second-fastest 8K time this season. His fastest 8K time in 2017 was the 23:48 he posted at the Queens University (N.C.) Royals Challenge, setting a new Saint Leo record in the process.

Joining Cheserek on the All-SSC team was senior Anthony Deleva, who was a First Team honoree for the second time in his career. Deleva finished third overall with a time of 25:43.42, his second-best time this season. At the Royals Challenge, Deleva was second among Saint Leo finishers behind Cheserek with a mark of 24:29, only six seconds off the previous Saint Leo 8K record.

"We're happy for Ronald that he was able to win the individual title in back-to-back years, and we're looking forward to what he can do in the regional meet," said Kent Reiber, Saint Leo's head cross country coach. "Anthony is the perfect athlete for Saint Leo; he's been the face of our program over the past few years, and is the exact athlete we want to recruit. For him to end his senior year finishing third and earning this award is tremendous, and we are happy for him."

The NCAA South Region Cross Country Championships will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Holloway Park in Lakeland, Fla. The women's 6K race will start at 8:30 a.m., followed by the men's 10K race at 9:45 a.m.

For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo men's cross country and track sure to visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.