Award History
NCAA DII XC National Awards2024 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Awards
NEW ORLEANS – National Athletes and Coaches of the Year for the 2024 NCAA DII Cross Country season were announced on Tuesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) following the conclusion of the season.
Award winners were determined by a vote of USTFCCCA member coaches, based on what they did both at the NCAA DII Cross Country Championships in Sacramento, California, and throughout the regular season. Only individuals from USTFCCCA member programs are eligible for awards.
Doris Brown Heritage Award
National Women's Athlete of the Year
Lauren Kiley was named the 2024 NCAA DII Women’s Cross Country National Athlete of the Year. Kiley, who hails from Canton, Michigan, captured the individual title at the 2024 NCAA DII Cross Country Championships this past weekend in Sacramento, California. The Grand Valley State star crossed the finish line in 20:28.5, more than two seconds ahead of the runner-up. Kiley was undefeated in three races this season, adding titles at the Midwest Region Championships and GLIAC Championships.
Joe Vigil Award
National Men's Coach of the Year
Chris Siemers was named the 2024 NCAA DII Men’s Cross Country National Coach of the Year. Siemers coached Colorado School of Mines to the team title at the 2024 NCAA DII Cross Country Championships this past weekend in Sacramento, California. Led by seventh-place finisher Logan Bocovich, the Orediggers scored 63 points to win by three points with three scorers in the top-9 and all five scorers in the top-25. Colorado School of Mines was undefeated this season, adding team titles at the South Central Region Championships with 40 points, RMAC Championships with 24 points, Lewis Crossover with 62 points, Ted Castaneda Classic with 34 points and Roadrunners Invitational with 20 points.
Doug Watts Award
National Men's Athlete of the Year
William Amponsah was named the 2024 NCAA DII Men’s Cross Country National Athlete of the Year. Amponsah, who hails from Agona Swedru, Ghana, captured the individual title at the 2024 NCAA DII Cross Country Championships this past weekend in Sacramento, California. The West Texas A&M star crossed the finish line in 29:40.8, more than five seconds faster than the runner-up in becoming the first repeat winner since 2014. Amponsah won three of the four meets in which he competed this season, including titles at the Lone Star Conference Championships and Louisville Classic.
Duane Vandenbusche Award
National Women's Coach of the Year
Damon Martin was named the 2024 NCAA DII Women’s Cross Country National Coach of the Year. Martin coached Adams State to the team title at the 2024 NCAA DII Cross Country Championships this past weekend in Sacramento, California. Led by seventh-place finisher Elena Carey, the Grizzlies scored 61 points to win by 66 points with all five scorers finishing in the top-19 and within 21.1 seconds of each other. Earlier this season, Adams State also won team titles at the South Central Region Championships with 37 points, RMAC Championships with 30 points and Joe Vigil Open with 18 points.