Kidd Earns Sun Belt Weekly Honors Following Dominant Performance

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Appalachian State sophomore Aaron Kidd received his first career Sun Belt Conference Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Week recognition, as announced by the league office on Wednesday. The honor celebrates Kidd’s exceptional performance at the Firetower Project Run on October 3, where he led all competitors to claim individual victory.

Race-Winning Performance

The Hurricane, West Virginia native dominated the 8K race with a winning time of 24:37.2, coming within six seconds of his personal best of 24:31.2 established at the 2024 Joe Piane Invitational. Kidd’s commanding front-running display set the tone for the Mountaineers’ collective success throughout the competition.

His individual triumph played a crucial role in propelling App State to first place in the team standings with a season-best 23 points, demonstrating both personal excellence and team-oriented racing that defines championship-caliber programs.

Third Mountaineer Honored This Fall

Kidd becomes the third App State runner to earn weekly Sun Belt Conference distinction this fall season, continuing a tradition of individual recognition that highlights the program’s depth and consistent competitive excellence. Fellow sophomores Breanna Budzinski and Thomas Wlazlowski previously collected Sun Belt Runner of the Week honors on September 3 and September 17 respectively, showing the balanced strength across both the men’s and women’s programs.

This trio of weekly awards through the early portion of the season underscores the Mountaineers’ position as legitimate contenders for conference championships while demonstrating the program’s ability to develop athletes capable of competing at the highest levels of collegiate cross country.

Championship Season Ahead

The Mountaineers will conclude their regular season schedule with a prestigious trip to Princeton, New Jersey, for the Princeton Fall Classic on October 17. The women’s 6K race is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m., with the men’s 8K competition following immediately afterward. This high-quality regular season finale will provide valuable racing experience against elite competition while fine-tuning preparations for the conference championship meet.

App State will then travel to Foley, Alabama, for the Sun Belt Championships on October 31, where the Mountaineers will compete for both team and individual conference titles. 

Building Momentum

Kidd’s award recognition and dominant performance at the Firetower Project Run provide important momentum as the Mountaineers enter the crucial championship phase of their season. His ability to lead from the front while contributing to team success exemplifies the qualities necessary for championship racing.

With multiple runners earning weekly conference honors throughout the fall, App State enters the postseason with confidence built upon consistent excellence and the depth necessary to compete for team championships. The combination of individual talent and collective strength positions the Mountaineers as formidable contenders when conference titles are decided in Foley.