CHAMPAIGN, ILL. –  The Big Ten office named Jereme Atchison it's Big Ten Men's Cross-Country Athlete of the Week on Wednesday afternoon. The honor is the first of Atchison's career, and is the first Illini to garner the award since Sam Telfer on October 29, 2013.

The Arlington Heights, Ill. native is coming off the Illini Open where he posted an 8K mark of 25:23.1, leaving his competition behind en route to winning by almost 12 seconds.

Head Coach Jake Stewart praised Atchison after his performance on Friday, citing his hard work ethic throughout the season and his career at Illinois.

"It's building off of what he's done all fall," said Coach Stewart on Friday night. He's had a really great year. He's really put the work in, and he's run the best he's run in a really long time."

With his victory at the Illini Open, Atchison has now swept the two Illini home meets this season, winning the Illini Challenge back on September 4.

2015 Big Ten Men's Cross Country Athletes of the Week

Sept. 9: Peter Spinks, Jr., NEB/Ean Disilvio, So., PSU

Sept. 16: Aaron Baumgarten, So., MICH

Sept. 23: Wyatt McGuire, Fr., NEB

Sept. 30: Matthew McClintock, Sr., PUR

Oct. 7: Mason Ferlic, Sr., MICH

Oct. 14: Trent Brinkofski, So., RU

Oct. 21: Malachy Schrobilgen, Jr., WIS

Oct. 28: Jereme Atchison, Sr., ILL