SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The South Dakota State duo of Ben Olson and Leah Hansen claimed this week’s Summit League Cross Country Peak Performer of the Week awards, league officials announced Tuesday. Both Olson and Hansen were the first Summit League athletes to cross the finish line at the Roy Griak Invitational that featured four different league teams.
 
Olsen led the Jackrabbit men with an 18th-place finish, finishing the 8K race in a time of 24:38.7. The Jackrabbits finished eighth in a 17-team field, defeating a pair of Big Ten teams, including host Minnesota. 

Hansen paced the efforts for South Dakota State women, finishing in 28^th place as she clocked a 6K time of 21:33.5. The Jackrabbit women took 11^th overall in a meet that featured 20 teams. 
 
Ben Olson, South Dakota State
Sr | Coon Rapids, Minn.

• Collected his third career weekly award and second this season
• Took 18^th place in the 8K in a time of 24:38.7
• Helped the Jacks finish eighth overall as a team

Also nominated: Symon Keiser (North Dakota State).
 
Leah Hansen, South Dakota State
Jr | Willmar, Minn.

• Collected her fourth career weekly honor and first this season
• Finished 28^th in the 6K with a time of 21:33.5
• Paced SDSU to an 11^th place finish as a team

Also nominated: Kaleesa Houston (North 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