Ryan James, a 2010 graduate of Belfast Area High School, was recently recognized as one of his college’s best cross-country runners earlier this month.

James, also a top runner for the Lions, was honored as a Berry College athlete of the week for his performance Nov. 8-14. The honor was shared by fellow cross-country runner Courtney Cooper.

James, a freshman at Berry, earned the recognition after helping the Berry Vikings to a second-place finish in the Viking Open Nov. 13. James was the top Viking finisher on the five-mile course and finished in 26:42.01. He placed third among 35 runners. Berry College missed a first-place finish by one point as it earned 35 total points.

Berry College is a private, four-year liberal arts college in Rome, Ga. It enrolls just under 2,000 undergraduates and competes in NCAA Division III athletics.

James’ season results have included:

Oct. 23 he finished the Southeast Classic in 25:50.67 and 19th among 238 runners.

Oct. 16 he finished the Young Harris Invitational in 29:41.34 and ninth among 29.

Oct. 9 he finished the Gibson Family Invitational in 27:29 and 18th among 170.

Oct. 2 he finished the Darlington Open in 16:51 and seventh.

Sept. 25 he finished the Christian Brothers University Brooks Twilight Classic in 29:09.10 and 74th among 264.

On Sept. 11 he finished the Berry Invitational in 27:46.75 and 24th among 113.

James’ final race of the season will be the USA Track and Field National Club Championship 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) event Dec. 11.

Village NetMedia Sports Reporter Frederick Freudenberger can be reached at 207-594-4401 or by e-mail at fritz@villagesoup.com.

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