UCI’s Thompson named Big West Conference Freshman of the Year

UC Irvine’s Isaiah Thompson has been named Big West Conference Freshman of the Year in men’s cross country.

Thompson was UCI’s top runner and the first freshman finisher at the Big West Championship Nov. 2, finishing 13th by completing the 8,000-meter course in 26 minutes, 3.9 seconds at the Fairbanks Memorial Cross Country Course in San Luis Obispo.

He placed 15th at the Highlander Invitational on Oct. 19 and 21st at the Mustang Challenge Division I Invite on Sept. 21.

“I’m very happy for Isaiah,” UCI Coach Vince O’Boyle said. “He has worked hard this season in moving up on our team and he deserves this award.”

The ‘Eaters compete in the NCAA West Regional on Friday at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento.

— From staff reports