OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary cross country runner Kara Muller is off to a great start in her collegiate career. The freshman from Bellevue, Neb., has led the Flames in both races so far this season.

On Wednesday the freshman added another feather to her cap as she was named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Cross Country Women's Runner of the Week.

Muller was recognized for her race during the week of Sept. 16-22. Hauff Mid-America Sports is the presenting sponsor of the 2024-2025 GPAC Players of the Week and Players and Coaches of the Year awards program.

Hauff Mid-America Sports/GPAC Cross Country Runners of the Week
Women – Kara Muller, College of Saint Mary
Kara Muller of the College of Saint Mary is this week's GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week. Muller, a freshman from Bellevue, Neb., led the Flames individually with a 31st-place finish in 19:33.34 over the 5,000-meter course at the Greeno/Dirksen Invitational. She was the top GPAC runner and helped the Flames finish as the top GPAC team in the field.

Men – Vaughn Hendrickson, Concordia University
Vaughn Hendrickson of Concordia University is the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week.  Hendrickson, a freshman from Fort Wayne, Ind., placed 31st overall at the Greeno/Dirksen Invitational, which included NCAA Division I and II competitors. Hendrickson finished first among GPAC runners and third among NAIA athletes in the 8k race as he completed it in 25:51.3. Hendrickson helped the Bulldogs to a 12th-place team finish out of all 26 squads at the Greeno/Dirksen.