The collegiate cross country season has come to an end, and it was a season to remember. Now, some of the best coaches and athletes are receiving honors for their fantastic seasons.
On Monday, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced the winners of the National Women’s and National Men’s Athlete of the Year, as well as the National Women’s and National Men’s Coach of the Year awards.
Parker Valby took home the award for the National Women’s Athlete of the Year. The talented redshirt junior who runs for the University of Florida won the national championship earlier in November and also went undefeated this season in all of her races. She’s also an USTFCCCA All-American.
Graham Blanks of Harvard took home the National Men’s Athlete of the Year award after a sensational season. Like Valby, Blanks went undefeated on the year and took home the national title, becoming the first Ivy League runner to accomplish the achievement.
Oklahoma State’s Dave Smith won the National Men’s Coach of the Year award. Smith led the Cowboys to a national championship win this season, defeating some of the best teams in the nation, including NAU.
Laurie Henes took home the National Women’s Coach of the Year award after leading N.C. State to its third consecutive cross country national championship. The Wolfpack took the win at the national championship over NAU in a thrilling one point victory earlier this month.
