Academy of Art University Athletics

In a performance that opened eyes across the country, junior Valentin Pepiot finished sixth of 362 runners at the Stanford Invitational this past weekend. Pepiot excelled in an 8k race loaded with dominant collegiate runners, using a 4:47 pace to capture sixth in a time of 23:43. He was wedged in between competitors from UC Santa Barbara and UC Riverside, but wound up the first NCAA Division II competitor to finish. The next closest was Chico State's top finisher in 14th place overall.

Additionally, Pepiot earned USTFCCCA National Division II Runner of the Week for his achievement.

"Wow it's wonderful to have this honor," Pepiot said. "I'm very proud knowing that the United States coaches have appreciated my performance and spotted me! I will work hard to achieve more this season."