Declan Murray is being recognized as Horizon League Male Runner of the Week for the third time during the indoor season.
 
Declan Murray is being recognized as Horizon League Male Runner of the Week for the third time during the indoor season.
 
 
Murray, Valgoi Sweep Horizon League Runners of the Week Honors

Both seniors rank nationally in multiple events

Feb. 12, 2013

CHICAGO - Loyola University Chicago seniors Declan Murray and Gina Valgoi have swept the Horizon League Runners of the Week awards, as announced by the league office this afternoon. Murray earns the weekly honor for the second straight week and third time overall. It is the second honor of the season for Valgoi.

"Declan and Gina have certainly earned this honor," said head coach Randy Hasenbank. "We are excited about the momentum that they have provided for our teams as we head into the championship portion of our season."

Murray, out of Strongsville, Ohio, continues to ascend the school, league and national record boards. He captured a victory in the 800m on day one of the Grand Valley State Big Meet on Friday night, shaving 0.45 seconds off of the school record he already possessed prior. Murray leads the Horizon League in the event and now ranks third nationally. He also posted a second place finish in the mile run with a time of 4:14.01.

Valgoi posted school records in both the mile run and distance medley relay this past weekend. Her time in the mile of 4:43.69 helped her best a field of 53 competitors and break the previous school record by over six seconds. She now leads the Horizon League in the mile run, 3000m and 5000m. Valgoi also ranks nationally in all three events as well.

The Detroit, Mich. native, along with Sydney Stuenkel, Alyvia Clark and Catherine Crisler, turned in a time of 11:44.18 in the distance medley relay. Valgoi ran the anchor leg as the squad finished first and set a new school record in the event. Their time ranks first in the Horizon League in the event.

"Both of them are wonderful examples of what can happen when hard work and opportunity meet," continued Hasenbank. "I am very excited to see what comes next."

Prior to the Horizon League Championship meet, the Ramblers will send squads to the Margaret Bradley Invite, hosted by the University of Chicago, this Friday and Saturday.