NAPERVILLE, Ill. - Elmhurst University sophomore David Valkanov has been named the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Men's Cross Country Student-Athlete of the Week after leading the Bluejays to a season-opening team victory.

Valkanov set the pace at the North Park/CUC Early Invite, capturing the individual title in the 5k race with a winning time of 16:00.4, a personal-best. He edged Benedictine's Karan Shetty by less than a second at the finish line to secure the top spot. His effort helped Elmhurst dominate the meet, as the Bluejays placed four runners inside the top 12 and tallied 35 points to take the team championship.

Valkanov and the Bluejays return to action at the NCCXC Invitational this Friday, Sept. 5.