ALLENDALE, Mich. – Following their selections as the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Midwest Region women's coach, women's assistant coach and men's field athlete of the year, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Association (USTFCCCA) has announced that Jerry Baltes, Matt Conly and Jaivon Harrison have received national honors. Baltes was named the NCAA Division II Women's Coach of the Year, Conly received National Women's Assistant Coach of the Year and Harrison was named NCAA Division II Men's Field Athlete of the Year.
 
After sweeping the Midwest Region's women's and men's Coach of the Year honors, Baltes has been named National Women's Coach of the Year for the 2025 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field season. With 60 points at the NCAA DII Outdoor Championships, the 26-year head coach led the women's squad to their first outdoor National Championship title since 2012, winning two individual championship titles, nine First-Team and five Second-Team All-American honors. The women's squad shattered two program records this season in addition to the meet record at the National Championships in women's discus and the GLIAC meet record in the women's 4x400m relay. At the GLIAC Championships, the women won their 25th consecutive title with 13 event wins.
 
Women's Assistant Coach of the Year Conly receives the honor following a literal National Championship-winning performance this season. In his fifth year as an assistant coach at GVSU, Conly coached the Lakers' throwers to combine for 29 of the team's 60 points at the NCAA DII Outdoor Championships. Throughout the season, Conly has coached his women to nine postseason podium appearances, including one National Champion and two National Runner-Ups.
 
Three-time NCAA DII National Champion Harrison has received national athlete honors following his selection as NCAA DII Midwest Region and GLIAC Men's Field Athlete of the Year. Through seven meets this outdoor season, Harrison never cleared less than 2.11m (6-11). The Bryant Stratton transfer began the season with a 2.19m (7-2.25) mark, which he steadily increased as the season progressed. Just two weeks later, he would clear 2.20m (7-2.5), then 2.21m (7-2.75) in another two weeks. Despite the high marks, Harrison still had not tied or exceeded his personal-best… yet. On May 11, 2025, just one week ahead of the national championships, Harrison tied his personal-best mark. On his second attempt at 2.26m (7-5), the senior soared over the bar with ease. Harrison continued to dominate with a 2.18m (7-1.75) mark at the NCAA DII Outdoor Championships. The height granted him the individual national championship title – the fourth he has earned in his collegiate career and third in Laker uniform.