USTFCCCA Program of the Year Release
The sum total of three seasons of excellence by the Hillsdale College Cross Country and Track & Field programs was richly rewarded Thursday morning.
Hillsdale was named the Women's Program of the Year by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. It is the highest honor that can go to an institution covering one academic year by the sport's coach's association.
Adams State University was the winner on the men's side.
The Program of the Year is determined by an institution's national finish in the fall (cross country), winter (indoor track) and spring (outdoor track). In 2015-16, the Chargers finished third, second and third, respectively at those sports' NCAA Division II championship events. That equals eight points in the Program of the Year standings.
Grand Valley State was second in this year's Program of the Year standings with 9.5 points. The Lakers had won six of the previous eight Program of the Year awards.
"I'm very proud of everyone who has contributed to our program over the last 5 years," said Chargers head coach Andrew Towne. "First and foremost, we're blessed to have great student-athletes...they are the foundation of our partnership here at Hillsdale. And, most-importantly, they are true student-athletes...they fully embrace 'Virtus Tentamine Gaudet'. From Amanda Putt and Kayla Caldwell, to Kristina Galat, Emily Oren and Corinne Zehner...their combination of academic and athletic excellence is unmatched."
Hillsdale narrowly lost out on the Program of the Year award to GVSU in 2014-15.
"We've been fortunate to have tremendous coaches...Jeff Forino, Amanda Mirochna, RP White, Samantha Kearney, Joe Lynn, Janine Kuestner, and Nate Miller have all done great work," Towne said. "Without them, we wouldn't have made the progress we've made over the last 5 years.