ALLENDALE, MICH. – Head Coach Jerry Baltes and Junior runner Lauren Kiley received USTFCCCA NCAA DII Cross Country Midwest Region Awards following the 2024 NCAA DII Midwest Region Championships, the organization announced Thursday. Award winners were determined by a vote of USTFCCCA member coaches.
 
Baltes was named USTFCCCA Men's Coach of the Year for the 22^nd season for his success on the course at the Midwest Region Championships (first place, 40 pts.) and GLIAC Championships (first place, 15 pts.). He was also named USTFCCCA Female Coach of the Year for the 23^rd time. He led the Laker ladies to championship titles at the Midwest Region Championships (20 pts.) and the GLIAC Championships (23 pts.).
 
Kiley, who has only competed in two races this season, received the title of USTFCCCA Women's Athlete of the Year. Her victories at the Midwest Region Championships (20:57.8) and the GLIAC Championship (20:46.2) awarded her this prestigious title.
 
To view the full list of awardees, follow this link.