KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced its second Athletes of the Week for the 2025 men's cross country season, with MoWest's Pau Valderrama being crowned the Men's Athlete of the Week.

Just a day after being recognized as the NCAA Division II National Athlete of the Week by the USTFCCCA Communications Staff, Valderrama earned another accolade with this conference weekly honor.

The junior from Sant Cugat Sesgarrigues, Spain, claimed first place at the Southern Stampede in Joplin, setting both a personal best and a school record with his 8K time of 23:39.21.

His performance secured the victory by 1.09 seconds and etched his name into Griffon history as the first men's cross country runner at MoWest to win an individual race.

The Griffons return to action on Saturday, October 4, when they host the Griffon Invite. The women's 5K is set for 8 a.m., followed by the men's 8K at 8:45 a.m.