University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Louisiana’s Maynard and Russell Sweep Sun Belt Cross Country Weekly Honors
9/30/2026 10:00:00 AM | Cross Country
Duo turned in top-5 times in their respective races at the McNeese Cowboy Stampede
NEW ORLEANS – Louisiana's Matthew Maynard and Isabelle Russell each turned in impressive performances out on the courses they competed on. They have been named Sun Belt Conference Cross Country Runners of the Week, the league office announced on Wednesday.
Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week
Matthew Maynard, Louisiana
(3rd Yr., Baton Rouge, La.)
Louisiana third-year Matthew Maynard earned a fourth-place finish at the McNeese Cowboy Stampede, covering the 4-mile course in a personal-best time of 19:06.8. The Baton Rouge, La., native took nearly a minute off his previous 4-mile best and helped lead Louisiana to a third-place finish overall.
Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week
Isabelle Russell, Louisiana
(3rd Yr., Benton, La.)
Louisiana third-year Isabelle Russell led five Ragin Cajun runners into the Top 10 as Louisiana captured the women's cross country team title at the McNeese Cowboy Stampede. The Benton, La., native finished second overall in the 5K in a personal-best 16:43.87. Louisiana totaled 26 points in the women's 5K race to repeat as champions of the event.
2026 Sun Belt Men's Cross Country Runners of the Week
Week 1 – Brady Keller, South Alabama
Week 2 – Matthew Maynard, Louisiana
Week 3 – Noah Martinson, App State
Week 4 – Matthew Maynard, Louisiana
2026 Sun Belt Women's Cross Country Runners of the Week
Week 1 – Rachael Withrow, Marshall
Week 2 – Rachael Withrow, Marshall
Week 3 – Tuva Sandberg, ULM
Week 4 – Isabelle Russell, Louisiana
Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week
Matthew Maynard, Louisiana
(3rd Yr., Baton Rouge, La.)
Louisiana third-year Matthew Maynard earned a fourth-place finish at the McNeese Cowboy Stampede, covering the 4-mile course in a personal-best time of 19:06.8. The Baton Rouge, La., native took nearly a minute off his previous 4-mile best and helped lead Louisiana to a third-place finish overall.
Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week
Isabelle Russell, Louisiana
(3rd Yr., Benton, La.)
Louisiana third-year Isabelle Russell led five Ragin Cajun runners into the Top 10 as Louisiana captured the women's cross country team title at the McNeese Cowboy Stampede. The Benton, La., native finished second overall in the 5K in a personal-best 16:43.87. Louisiana totaled 26 points in the women's 5K race to repeat as champions of the event.
2026 Sun Belt Men's Cross Country Runners of the Week
Week 1 – Brady Keller, South Alabama
Week 2 – Matthew Maynard, Louisiana
Week 3 – Noah Martinson, App State
Week 4 – Matthew Maynard, Louisiana
2026 Sun Belt Women's Cross Country Runners of the Week
Week 1 – Rachael Withrow, Marshall
Week 2 – Rachael Withrow, Marshall
Week 3 – Tuva Sandberg, ULM
Week 4 – Isabelle Russell, Louisiana
Players Mentioned
DIS
/ Cross Country
DIS
/ Cross CountryTuesday, September 29
Monday, September 28
Monday, September 28
Monday, September 28
