IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa women’s cross country freshman Elena Torres was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, the league announced on Wednesday.
A native of Loveland, Colorado, Torres earned the honor following her performance at the Big Ten Preview on Sept. 13, where she was the first freshman to cross the line in the 6,000-meter race for the Hawkeyes. Torres finished in 21:23.1.
This is Iowa’s first Big Ten weekly cross country honor since Nathan Mylenek earned athlete of the week on Sept. 11, 2019. On the women’s side, it’s Iowa’s first Big Ten weekly recognition since Kayla Beattie was named athlete of the week on Sept. 11, 2012.
“This is a well deserved honor,” associate head coach of cross country Randy Hasenbank said. “Elena had a fantastic high school career. She prepared well over the summer and showed up fit and eager to compete. She is a great competitor. We are very excited that Elena chose to be a Hawkeye.”
In her collegiate debut at the Hawkeye Invite on Aug. 30, Torres placed fifth overall in the 4,000-meter race (14:21.6) and was the first Iowa freshman to cross the line.