Andrew Youssef of Nova Southeastern University Athletics was named the 2026 Sunshine State Conference Men’s Cross Country Freshman of the Year on Nov. 6. The conference announced its 2026 Cross Country Runner and Freshman of the Year awards in Orlando, with selections made by the league’s coaches. Youssef received the men’s freshman honor after his first season with Nova Southeastern men’s cross country.
Youssef began the season with a seventh-place finish in the 5K at the Keiser University Flagship Invitational, running 15:42.43. He followed with a second-place finish in the 8K at the Bobcat Invitational in 27:22.4. His performance helped Nova Southeastern win the team competition with 21 points and earned him Sunshine State Conference Runner of the Week honors for Sept. 9-15.
Youssef also finished 41st at the FSU Pre-Regional with a time of 25:44.2. He ended the regular season at the UAH Chargers XC Invitational, where he set the Nova Southeastern men’s 8K record in 24:47.83. The mark added a program record to his conference weekly honor and his two top-seven finishes.
FSB Take
Youssef’s award recognizes a season that included success in both individual and team competition. His 8K record gives Nova Southeastern a measurable program achievement to pair with the conference honor. The combination of the weekly award, Bobcat Invitational performance and record-setting finish establishes a strong foundation for his Nova Southeastern career.
Source: Original report