Award History
NJCAA DII XC National Awards2023 NJCAA Division II Cross Country National Awards
National Men's Athlete of the Year
Pestka, who hails from Phoenix, Arizona, won the individual title at the 2023 NJCAA Division II Cross Country Championships in 24:49.1. He also was the leading JUCO athlete at the Jim Drews/Tori Neubauer Invitational as the runner-up.
National Women's Athlete of the Year
Ippel, who hails from St. Joseph, Michigan, won the individual title at the 2023 NJCAA Division II Cross Country Championships in 17:56.6. She was undefeated in six races this year in also winning the Region 12 Cross Country Championships, Marian Ancilla Chargers Invitational, Skippers Invitational, Raider Invitational and Olivet College Comet Open.
National Women's Coach of the Year
Rieth coached Cowley (Kan.) to the team title at the 2023 NJCAA Division II Cross Country Championships. Led by eighth-place finisher Dhennifer Vaz, the Tigers had all five scorers in the top-25 to score 66 points and win by five points. Cowley also won the team title at the Region 6 Championships with a perfect score of 15 points.
National Men's Coach of the Year
Robinson coached Lansing (Mich.) CC to the team title at the 2023 NJCAA Division II Cross Country Championships. Led by individual runner-up Michael Dennis, the Stars had three athletes in the top-7 to score 73 points and win by five points. Lansing CC also won the team title at the Region 12 Championships, scoring 21 points to win by 61 points.