NEW ORLEANS – Regional Athletes and Coaches of the Year for the 2023 NAIA Cross Country season were announced on Wednesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) following the conclusion of the regular year.
After an outstanding season, the Cascade Collegiate Conference swept all of the Men’s and Women’s West Region awards.
Robert Swoboda of Corban University was named the Men’s Athlete of the Year. Swoboda won the individual title at the CCC Cross Country Championships in 24:25.1. That was his third win of the season with others coming at the LC State Invitational and the Oak Knoll Loop Run.
Ellyse Tingelstad of College of Idaho was named the Women’s Athlete of the Year. Tingelstad won the individual title at the CCC Cross Country Championships in 20:51.5. She captured top individual honors at two other meets this season: the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic and the CCC Preview Meet.
Ben Welch of Eastern Oregon University was named the Men’s Coach of the Year. Welch, in his 32nd year as head coach, led the Mountaineers to the team title at the CCC Cross Country Championships with 48 points. Eastern Oregon also won the team title at the Charles Bowles Willamette Invitational with 77 points.
Dominic Bolin of College of Idaho was named the Women’s Coach of the Year. Bolin, in his second year as head coach, led the Coyotes to the team title at the CCC Cross Country Championships with 18 points. College of Idaho also won the team title at the Blazing Tiger NAIA Classic with 44 points, Lewis-Clark State Invitational with 26 points, Charles Bowles Willamette Invitational with 62 points, CCC Preview Meet with 24 points and Dr. Thad Scholes Classic with 23 points.
For the full list of winners, click HERE.