Two of the league's perennial powers claimed the first cross country awards of the new season as Cal Poly's Daniel Gonia and UC Santa Barbara's Danielle Domenichelli were named the Big West Men's and Women's Athlete of the Week, respectively.

Gonia, a native of Santee, Calif., stepped right into the spotlight in his first collegiate race, winning the individual crown in 24:23 at the UCSB Lagoon Open. Gonia, who was the 2007 California JC state champion, set a course record, led the Mustangs to first place and even defeated former Cal Poly great and two-time All-American Phillip Reid in the process.

Domenichelli, one of the key returning veterans for the Gauchos, won the women’s honor after winning the 5K race at the UCSB Lagoon Open in 17:51. Led by the senior’s first place finish, UC Santa Barbara was victorious as a team in its first meet of 2008.