Corvallis, Ore. – Yemane Mulugeta (So.) from Trinity Western University (B.C.) has been chosen as the NAIA West Region Men's Cross Country Athlete of the Year for the 2025 season by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). He was chosen in a vote by USTFCCCA member coaches.
Mulugeta won the individual titles at the Cascade Championships, Linfield George Oja Invitational, and WWU Bill Roe Classic. His victory at the Linfield George Oja Invitational in 23:34.1 was the fastest of the season in NAIA. The Trinity Western sophomore also finished third at the Gator Cross and seventh at the Charles Bowles Willamette Invitational. Mulgeta went on to place 3rd overall at the NAIA Championship with a time of (24:26.5) over the 8k course, leading his team to a ninth-place finish.