by Ericka Simpson, Triangle staff writer
Zach Buffington, a junior from Ooltewah, Tenn., was named the Appalachian Athletic Conference Men’s Track and Field/ Cross Country Runner of the Week two weeks ago for his performance at the
Berry Invitational Sept. 12. Buffington finished fourth out of 174 runners.
“He deserved it. He ran faster than anyone else in the conference,” said Head Cross Country/ Track and Field Coach Rodney Stoker.
Buffington said he ran for two years in middle school and one year in high school before he started running for Stoker.
Stoker said that Buffington has progressed from where he started as a freshman, and that he has learned to approach races with focus and optimism contributing to his success this season.
“He’s a great competitor, which separates him from the rest of the people in the conference,” Stoker said.
Stoker said he is proud of the improvements Buffington has accomplished.
Buffington finished first for the team the past two races. He said it helps to have competitive teammates and the best coach in the Southeast. He also said that he is excited to race again at Louisville.
“I want to be bold. I want to enter each race thinking ‘I’m the best’ and then race,” Buffington said.