Kluckhohn, Schexnayder Win Distinguished Coaching Awards At Convention
SAN ANTONIO — Success, dedication and long service aren’t mutually exclusive.
That’s why the George Dales Award and Jimmy Carnes Award were created by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) to honor those coaches who embodied each of those ideals to the fullest.
This year the George Dales Award went to former LSU and Olympic coach Irvin “Boo” Schexnayder, while current North Central (Ill.) head women’s track & field and assistant cross country coach Kari Kluckhohn won the Jimmy Carnes Award.
Schexnayder received his award prior to Tuesday night’s Hall of Fame Ceremony, while Kluckhohn picked hers up during Wednesday’s Opening Session.
The 2015 Convention is being held at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa.
George Dales Award
Irving “Boo” Schexnayder
The George Dales Award is named in honor of longtime Western Michigan coach George Dales for his relentless pursuit in the growth and development of track and field and cross country over more than half a century. This award is presented annually by the USTFCCCA to a distinguished individual who, through their efforts, has enhanced the profession of coaching track and field and cross country.
Schexnayder personifies those traits to a T.
He is currently the Director of the Track & Field Academy. In addition to that role, Schexnayder oversees all progression of course curriculum.
In an illustrious career that has spanned three decades, Schexnayder coached 19 NCAA champions in field events, was a part of 12 NCAA championship teams and saw athletes shattered long-standing records. Schexnayder also served as the jumps coach for Team USA at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
He began his coaching career at St. James (La.) High School in 1984 and over the next 23 years saw success at Blinn (Texas) Junior College, Louisiana-Lafayette and LSU.
Past Winners
2014 – Dr. Rick McGuire, Missouri
2013 – Bill Falk, Rhode Island
2012 – Ed Temple, Tennessee State
2011 – Sam Bell, Indiana
2010 – Sam Huntsman, Texas
2009 – Dr. Leroy Walker, North Carolina Central
2008 – Steve Simmons, Cal Poly
2007 – Victor Lopez, Rice
2006 – George Dales, Western Michigan
Jimmy Carnes Award
Kari Kluckhohn, North Central (Ill.)
The USTFCCCA’s Jimmy Carnes Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their service to the Association and to the sports of Cross Country and Track and Field.
As an officer of the Division III Track & Field Committee for eight years and its president for three of those years — as well as a two-time Region Coach of the Year in Indoor Track & Field — Kluckhohn has done just what defines the award.
After beginning her coaching career at North Park University, Kluckhohn joined DIII powerhouse North Central (Ill.) in 2001. Success soon followed as over the past 13 years, she helped mold six national champions and 74 All-Americans.
In 2011, the Cardinals became the first women’s program in College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) history to sweep the team titles in cross country, indoor and outdoor track & field.
Past Winners
2014 – Patty Vavra, Missouri Southern
2013 – Dean Hayes, Middle Tennessee State
2012 – Gary Wilson, Minnesota
2011 – Dave Harris, Emporia State
2010 – Jim Sackett, Cal Poly Pomona
2009 – Doug Watts, Edinboro University
2008 – Bill Thornton, St. Olaf College
2007 – John Copeland, Rhode Island