Date Posted: 10/10/2007

MACON, Ga. – Walt Disney World has long been declared “The Happiest Place on Earth” but when rain descended on the Disney World Cross Country Classic on Saturday, turning the course into a muddy swamp, the over 300 runners might not have been so quick to agree with the slogan. Kennesaw State sophomore Peikko Solla turned the dreary event into a happy one, finishing the sloppy course in a time of 25:44.22, one of the ten-best times in the A-Sun this year and for his efforts earned his first Runner of the Week award, the conference office announced on Wednesday.

Peikko, a business major from Helsinki, Finland finished ninth at the Disney World Cross Country Classic, leading the Owls to a third-place finish at the 45-team event. Peikko paced the Owls’ for the first time in three meets, dating back to his second-place finish at the Mercer Atlanta Invitational on September 8.

The Atlantic Sun Conference is a 12-member league committed to Building Winners for Life, with a focus on academic and athletic integrity and a balance between the two for the student-athlete, and maintaining a high level of sportsmanship. Headquartered in Macon, Ga., the A-Sun encompasses six of the top eight media markets in the Southeast. The A-Sun consists of some of the most dynamic private and public institutions in the region: Belmont University, Campbell University, East Tennessee State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Gardner-Webb University, Jacksonville University, Kennesaw State University, Lipscomb University, Mercer University, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina Upstate and Stetson University.

Other Top Performers

Lucas McAneney, GWU (Sr. - North Bay, Ontario - Health & Wellness) -- First in team scoring at Pirate Invitational; Covered the 8K course in a personal-best time of 25:45; helped team to first-place finish.

Ian McParland, FGCU (Sr. - Cape Coral, Fla. - Undeclared) -- Ran personal best, and was first Eagles’ runner to cross the finish line for the Eagles with a time of 27:14; Was 3rd best time in Eagle history.

Related Links:
 • A-Sun Men's Cross Country