ALLENDALE, Mich. – For the fourth time in program history, Grand Valley State has been named the Damon Martin Men's Program of the Year as announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) this afternoon. This is the first time since 2023 that the Lakers have earned the award. 
 
The USTFCCCA Program of the Year Award honors the institution that has achieved the most success in each academic year, spanning the cross country, indoor track and field and outdoor track and field seasons. Success is based on the institution's finish at each National Championship. Scoring is based on these finishes; the team with the lowest total score for all three championships combined determines the award winner.
 
The Lakers finished fourth in cross country, second in indoor track and field and claimed the national title during the outdoor season. Their first (one point), second (two points) and fourth place (four points) finishes combined for a point total of seven, the lowest of all NCAA Division II men's programs, to be named the Damon Martin's Men's Program of the Year.