NEW ORLEANS - For the first time in his career, Ryan Hartman's efforts on the cross country circuit have gained national praise as he was named US Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Division II National Athlete of the Week.

A senior from Wausau, Wisconsin, Hartman finished first at the Roy Griak Invitational by 13 seconds and took home his first individual title of the year. He claimed the Men's Maroon 8k in 25:16.1, 12.9 seconds ahead of his 2023 time. 

Hartman battled at the top for the entirety of the race. At the mile checkpoint, Hartman was second by 0.8 seconds before surging into a tie for first at 3000m. After leaking ahead by 0.3 at the 5000m, Hartman broke through down the stretch, outrunning the competition 

Hartman is the first honoree of the USTFCCCA Athlete of the Week award in the program since Runa Falch won a pair of them in 2013.