DENTON- North Texas cross-country junior Troy Taylor was named Conference USA Cross Country Male Athlete of the Week for his first-place finish at the Baylor Twilight Invitational last weekend.  

Taylor crossed the line first with a time of 18:14.5. Taylor led the men's team to their second consecutive first-place finish at Baylor. This is Taylor's first race win in his college career.

"Troy earning this award sets the tone for what Troy and I both believe he can accomplish this season," North Texas cross-country coach Stefanie Slekis said. "Troy gained a lot of confidence from his outstanding track campaign, and after one of his best summers of training I know he is capable of translating his track success to success over 8k and 10k cross country."

At last year's Baylor Twilight Invitational, Taylor placed sixth in the 4K race with a time of 18:55.5. Taylor also placed ninth at last year's Conference USA Championships, finishing the 8K race with a time of 25:30.35.

"I'm excited to see Troy compete against better individual and team competition in October," Slekis said.

The Mean Green cross-country team run again this Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Gerald Richey Invitational in Arlington, Texas.