BENNINGTON, Vt. – The Eastern College Athletic Conference announced Thursday that Southern Vermont College sophomore Justin Ferguson (Broadalbin, New York) was named a New England Men’s Cross Country Co-Rookie of the Week for the period ending September 7, 2014.

Ferguson had an outstanding performance in his first varsity collegiate race Sunday placing fourth overall at the Castleton Invite. The rookie was just 10 seconds behind teammate Herson Canta, finishing with a time of 26:46; that places Ferguson at third all-time on the SVC record list.

Ferguon is the first Southern Vermont cross country participant to garner an ECAC laurel. All respective rookies of the week from New England conferences were eligible for the award. Ferguson was selected as the New England Collegiate Conference Rookie of the Week as announced on Monday.

“He ran his first race running very relaxed until he hit mile three, then he put on his speed the last two miles,” said SVC head coach Kathleen Newton. “We talked to the men and had the entire team stay smooth and relaxed the first three miles given this was their first race of the year. This is just the start of a great season for Justin and his teammates. It's exciting to watch and be a part of.”

Southern Vermont now prepares to host the Mountaineer Invitational on Saturday on the SVC campus, women’s 5000 meter race to start at 11 a.m. and the men’s 5K meet to begin at 12 p.m.