PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Little East Conference (LEC) announced its first men’s cross country weekly award winners of the 2026 season, with the University of Southern Maine’s Conner Smith sweeping the conference honors. Smith was named both the LEC Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Week and Rookie of the Week following a standout performance in his first collegiate cross country race.

Runner of the Week – Conner Smith, Southern Maine

Smith opened his Southern Maine cross country career by winning the individual title at the Ron Ouellette Invitational, hosted by the University of New England on Friday. The sophomore completed the 5K course in 15:51.23 to finish first overall and lead the field in his first race as a member of the Huskies’ cross country program.

Smith entered the 2026 cross country season following a strong first year with Southern Maine’s indoor and outdoor track and field programs. During the 2026 outdoor season, he earned Third Team All-LEC honors as a member of the Huskies’ 4x800-meter relay and LEC All-Rookie honors in the 1,500 meters. Smith also recorded a personal-best time of 4:05.59 in the 1,500 meters at the New England Intercollegiate Amateur Athletic Association Outdoor Championships.

Rookie of the Week – Conner Smith, Southern Maine

Smith also earned LEC Rookie of the Week honors after his first-place finish at the Ron Ouellette Invitational.

The Durham, Maine native and Freeport High School graduate crossed the finish line in 15:51.23 to claim the individual title in his Huskies cross country debut. Smith entered Southern Maine with an established cross country background, earning All-State honors during his senior season at Freeport.

Smith and the Huskies will return to competition on Saturday, September 19, at the Maine State Meet in Brunswick, Maine.