NEWARK, DE (Oct. 8, 2007) -- Kyle Schmid was a standout this week for the University of Delaware men’s cross country team.

In their first place finish at the 14th annual Monmouth Invitational at Holmdel (NJ) Park, Schmid led all runners, including seven Blue Hen runners in the top 20, with a 27:09 finish on the 8,000-meter course.

His winning performance has made him the Wilmington Trust Best of the Blue Hens Athlete of the Week for the period ending October 8.

The Lutherville, MD native and senior civil engineering major edged out teammate Nick Pyle by two seconds in the men’s race.

“Even though you have to take care of yourself, you really have to stick together. You make plans, and stick with your team to win the race,” said Schmid in regards to his performance this weekend.” It’s all about winning as a team.”

As a high school freshman, Schmid reluctantly joined the cross country squad after not making the soccer team. Almost nine years later, he is one of the best runners on a successful squad.

Schmid cites his favorite place to run as White Clay Creek State Park, where the Blue Hens will host the University of Delaware Invitational #2 this Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Schmid won his second career cross country title and his first since capturing the 2006 Delaware Invitational #1. As a team, Delaware won its second team title of the fall after previously winning the season-opening Towson Invitational back in September.

Past Winners:

2007-08 Season
Oct. 8 - Kyle Schmid (Men's Cross Country)
Oct. 1 - Colleen Walsh (Volleyball)
Sept. 23 - Nolan Greenberg (Men's Tennis)
Sept. 16 - Joe Flacco (Football)
Sept. 9 - Jason Bernstein (Golf)
Sept. 2 - Casey Howard (Field Hockey)
Aug. 26 - Stephanie Barry (Volleyball)

2006-07 Season
Jan. 30 - Asha Quant (Women's Indoor Track)
Feb. 4 - Kyle DeHaven (Women's Basketball)
Feb. 11 - Sam McMahon (Men's Basketball)
Feb. 18 - Maryann Walker (Women's Swimming)
Feb. 25 - Adam Zuder-Havens (Men's Lacrosse)
Mar. 2 - Cristine Marquez (Women's Indoor Track)
Mar. 12 - Debbie Sloan (Women's Lacrosse)
Mar. 19 - Tyresa Smith (Women's Basketball)
Mar. 26 - Joe McLister (Golf)
Apr. 2 - Carolynn Sloat (Softball)
Apr. 9 - Bryan Hagerich (Baseball)
Apr. 16 - Alexi Capsouras (Women's Outdoor Track)
Apr. 23 - Jared Wasser (Men's Outdoor Track)
Apr. 30 - Alex Smith (Men's Lacrosse)
May 7 - David Slovak (Baseball)
May 14 - Tommy Scherr (Men's Lacrosse)
May 21 - Dan Deckelbaum (Men's Lacrosse)
May 28 - Mike McGuire (Baseball)