LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty redshirt sophomore Sam Chelanga has garnered national attention during his first cross country season in a Flames uniform. He is one of six athletes featured in the “Faces In The Crowd” section of Sports Illustrated’s Nov. 10, 2008 edition.

Chelanga (Nairobi, Kenya) is included in the magazine’s newest issue, which features Albert Haynesworth of the Tennessee Titans on the front cover. Joining Chelanga in the “Faces In The Crowd” segment are Karlee Bispo (Texas women’s swimming), Zach Harrison (Minnesota State men’s hockey), Jonathan Humphrie (Seattle Prep H.S. football), Amanda Prawat (Wisconsin-Stevens Point women’s soccer) and Sarah Followill (St. Thomas Episcopal H.S. women’s fencing).

Chelanga has won each of his four cross country races this fall, setting three course records along the way. His performance has helped the Liberty men’s cross country team capture its fourth consecutive Big South title and earn a No. 7 ranking in the Southeast Region.

Sports Illustrated highlighted the sophomore’s dominating performance at the Pre-Nationals, Oct. 18 in Terre Haute, Ind. Chelanga won the men’s 8K white race by 44 seconds, and his time of 22:51.3 broke former Liberty standout Josh McDougal’s course, meet, school and Big South Conference records. McDougal was the 2007 NCAA Division I National Cross Country Champion.

Chelanga and the Flames will return to action Nov. 15, at the NCAA Division I Southeast Regional Cross Country Championships. Wake Forest will host the meet at Tanglewood State Park in Clemmons, N.C. The men’s 10K championship is slated for a noon start.