Stafford Named ACC Performer of the Week

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida State junior Paul Stafford was named the Men’s ACC Cross Country Performer of the Week on Wednesday following his performance at the Mountain Dew Invite, which was held at the Mark Bostic Golf Course in Gainesville on Friday.

Stafford brought home his first career collegiate victory, winning the men’s 8K with a time of 24:44.85, leading the Seminoles to the team title with 19 points, over Georgia Tech, Florida and Miami.

It was the best showing for the Noles since a perfect 15-point performance at the 2016 FSU Invitational.

“This is a well-deserved honor,” FSU head coach Bob Braman said. “Paul trained really hard this summer and was ready for this meet. He’s becoming one of the top distance runners in the ACC.”

Stafford’s time of 24:44.85 was the second fastest 8K of his career, next to his 24:33.2 he ran at the Pre-National Invitational in 2019 at the LaVern Gibson Championship Course in Terre Haute, Indiana.

“Finishing in last place at Indiana Relays earlier this year and coming back from that makes me even more thankful to be where I am right now,” Stafford said. I can’t wait to keep working forwards new heights with this special group we have this year.”

The Seminoles will be back in action in the FSU Invitational on Oct. 2 at Appalachee Regional Park.

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