Western Illinois University Athletics

Lydia Smith (Canton, Ill./Canton) was named Papa John's 'Scholar-Athlete of the Week' on Monday (Nov. 3).

The senior led the Western Illinois women's cross country team at The Summit League Cross Country Championships over the weekend, finishing in 27th place with a time of 23:47.9. Smith's finish combined with the team's performance boosted the Leathernecks into a tie for seventh in the final team standings. 

Saturday's (Nov. 1) race marks the fourth time this season the captain has led the Purple and Gold women. Other team-best performances this season include: the Bradley Pink Classic (Oct. 17), the Notre Dame Invitational (Oct. 3) and the Bradley Intercollegiate (Sept. 12). 

In addition to her Papa John's 'Scholar Athlete of the Week' honor, the Canton, Ill. native has also been named The Summit League's Cross Country 'Athlete of the Week' for her performance Sept. 9-15 and is a representative for WIU's Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Smith majors in Biology and owns a 3.156 GPA.