SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The South Dakota duo of Merga Gemeda and Abrielle Jirele took home this week’s Summit League TicketSmarter Cross Country Peak Performer of the Week awards, league officials released Tuesday. Both clocked new league-leading times at the Gans Creek Classic to pace the Coyotes in their respective competitions this past weekend.
 
Gemeda clocked a personal-best 8K time of 24:05.5 to finish 16^th overall in the field, improving his league-leading time in that distance this season. His time ranks sixth all-time in league history, trailing only Bowerman winner Cameron Levins (Southern Utah), Trent Lusignan (South Dakota State) and Jonah Lagat (Oral Roberts).
 
Jirele broke 21 minutes in the 6K for the first time this season, crossing the finish line in 20:54.6. She placed 16^th individually and knocked more than 30 seconds off her personal-best time from last season.

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Merga Gemeda, South Dakota
Sr | Sioux City, Iowa

• Collected his ninth career weekly award and second this season
• Took 16^th overall in the 8K in a time of 24:05.5
• Ranks sixth all-time in league history

Also nominated: Brandon Clark (Kansas City), Biel Wiel (St. Thomas), Erik Flores Burciaga (Oral Roberts), Logan Lommel (Western Illinois), Ben Anteau (South Dakota State)
 
Abby Jirele, South Dakota
So | Eden Prairie, Minn.

• Collected her first career weekly honor
• Broke 21 minutes in the 6K crossing the finish line in 20:54.6
• Finished 16^th overall by knocking more than 30 seconds of her personal best from last season

Also nominated: Kamryn Ensley (Omaha), Katherine Hanner (Kansas City), Avery Mazzei (Oral Roberts), Molly Desotell (St. Thomas), Paulina Wuestefeld (Western Illinois), Bridget Henne (South Dakota State)
 
2022 Cross Country Peak Performers of the Week
Sept. 6
M: Ben Olson, South Dakota State
W: Allie Wahlund, North Dakota State
 
Sept. 13
M: Hunter Klimek, North Dakota State
W: Kaleesa Houston, North Dakota State
 
Sept. 20
M: Merga Gemeda, South Dakota
W: Avery Mazzei, Oral Roberts
 
Sept. 26
M: Ben Olson, South Dakota State
W: Leah Hansen, South Dakota State
 
Oct. 3
M: Merga Gemeda, South Dakota
W: Abby Jirele, South Dakota