BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Ole Miss’ Sean Tobin was named SEC Cross Country Men’s Co-Freshman Runner of the Year by the league office Tuesday, as voted on by the league coaches.
The Clonmel, Ireland, native’s sixth-overall finish at the SEC Championship was the best by any freshman and helped the Rebels finish runner-up for only the second time in cross country program history.
“Sean Tobin embodies what it means to be an Ole Miss Rebel,” head coach Brian O’Neal said. “He provides great leadership for our program, and he’s played a large role in elevating our team. He always takes great pride in representing Rebel Nation.”
Earlier in the season, Tobin led the way in an impressive eighth-place team showing at the Pre-Nationals Invitational (Oct. 18) when he placed 48th of 310 runners in Terre Haute, Indiana.
This honor adds to an impressive list for the Rebels’ cross country season. Tobin, along with Wesley Gallagher and Robert Domanic, earned All-SEC first team honors by placing among the top seven finishers at the SEC Championship. Three All-SEC selections are the most in program history.
Taylor Caldwell and Mark Robertson joined Tobin on the SEC All-Freshman team, marking the most Rebels on the All-Freshman team in program history, as well.
Tobin was also named SEC Freshman of the Year in the indoor track season last spring. He had not yet arrived on campus for last year’s cross country season.
The NCAA South Regional is up next for Ole Miss in Tallahassee, Florida, on Nov. 14. The men are currently ranked second in the USTFCCCA South Region. The top two teams at the regional automatically advance to the NCAA Championships.
