EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The UW-Eau Claire men's cross country team handed out this year's team awards this past weekend at the annual team banquet.

Aaron Easker (Jr.-Eland, Wis./Wittenberg-Birnamwood) won the team's most valuable runner award. Competing in six events this season, he was the top Blugold finisher five times. He finished sixth or better three times while taking 18^th at the WIAC Championship and 42^nd at the NCAA Regional.

Most improved honors went to Eric Knutson (So.-Brookfield, Wis./Central). He competed in five races this year and was part of the team that competed at the WIAC Championship, while he was not part of the group last season. Earlier in the season at the Blugold Open he took 75^th place where he finished 126^th in 2010.

Paul Hetke (Jr.-Chetek, Wis.) was named the most valuable freshman. Hetke competed in six events this season and capped off the year with a 61^st place finish at the NCAA Regional. He also finished in 26^th place at the WIAC Championship.

The Blugold Award went to Michael Borden (Sr.-Holmen, Wis.). He ran in five races this year, including the NCAA Regional and the WIAC Championship. He took 80^th and 43^rd place at the respective events.

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