University of Albany's Alex Leuchanka Named America East Men's Cross Country Performer of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Alex Leuchanka has been named the America East Conference Men's Cross County Performer of the Week, as announced on Tuesday, Oct. 20 by the league office. The freshman is being recognized by the conference for the first time in his career.

Leuchanka, the 2008 New York Cross Country Federation champion on the scholastic level, placed fifth among 189 runners in 24:59.9 to lead the Great Danes to a third-place finish among 24 scoring teams at the 43rd UAlbany Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 17. The freshman, who was running an 8,000-meter circuit for just the third time in his career, improved at the distance by 27 seconds since competing at George Mason two weeks ago. In addition, he lowered his time by 44 seconds since racing at the America East Pre-Championship on Sept. 13.

Leuchanka was among three true freshmen to finish in his team's top five at the UAlbany Invitational. The Great Danes will look to improve on last year's sixth-place performance at the America East Conference Championships on Oct. 31. With only one upperclassman represented in the team's top 10, UAlbany is expected to field the youngest squad at the meet.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information