IUPUI freshman runner Zane Cooperider has been chosen Sahm's Male Student-Athlete of the Month for his efforts during the season-opening August/September. Cooperider was among the IUPUI cross country team's top two finishers in all four meets, including leading the Jaguars to the finish line twice to start the year.
The West Lafayette, Ind.-native made an immediate impact in his first collegiate 8K, winning the EIU Walt Crawford Open on Sept. 9 in a time of 24:52.19. His time set a new IUPUI freshman record in the 8K and was the third quickest in school history. He later became just the fifth men's runner in school history to be named Summit League Men's XC Athlete of the Week when he was honored on Sept. 11.
Cooperider also led the Jaguars to the finish line at the Indiana Intercollegiates Meet in Bloomington, Ind. on Sept. 16, finishing that 8K race in a time of 25:41 on the challenging IU Varsity Course.
The rookie opened his college career by taking 13th overall at the Dayton Flyer 5K Challenge on Sept. 3, running a time of 15:59.8. In the Jaguars' final meet of the month, he placed 41st overall with a time of 26:02 at the Notre Dame Invitational.
