NEW ORLEANS, La. – Saint Leo University's Shane Bracken was tabbed as the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) South Region Athlete of the Year, announced by the association Tuesday. Bracken was one of eight runners for the men's side when the USTFCCCA announced both the men's and women's Regional Athletes and Coaches of the Year.
 
Bracken, a junior from Foxford, Ireland, won the individual title at the South Region Championships in 31:21.9. He also placed first at the Mountain Dew Gator Invitational earlier this year and finished second in the Sunshine State Conference Championships.
 
Along with his two first place finishes and his second place at the SSC Championships, Bracken also finished second at the UAH Invitational and seventh at the DII National Preview to finish all five races to this point in the top-10.
 
He will go on to race at the NCAA Division II National Championship on November 20 at the Abbey Golf Course in Saint Leo, Fla. where he claimed the individual title at the South Regional. Bracken will be joined with teammate Arthur Cosson on the 10K course at 9:45 a.m.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo men's and women'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.