Sophomore Edward Cheserek was once again crowned the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s Athlete of the Year on Tuesday as voted on by the nation’s coaches. The Newark, N.J., product becomes just the third runner to win the award back-to-back years since it started in 1994 and first in Oregon history.

Galen Rupp is the only other Duck to be named National Athlete of the Year by the USTFCCCA

By winning his second-straight NCAA Cross Country Championship, he joins the legendary Steve Prefontaine as the only Ducks to accomplish this feat. Cheserek covered the 10,000 meter course in 30:19.4, earning him his second All-American nod.

Cheserek had won seven-straight races dating back to last season before taking second at the NCAA West Regionals. The St. Benedict’s Prep graduate has claimed five titles in total this season.

Kate Avery of Iona was the USTFCCCA Women’s National Athlete of the Year after becoming the first runner not from a power conference to win the national title. Colorado’s Mark Wetmore earned his second-straight National Coach of the Year on the men’s side after leading Colorado to back-to-back national titles. On the women’s side, Walt Drenth of Michigan State was named the National Coach of the Year after the Spartan women claimed their first national title by an NCAA record 62 points over Iowa State.

USTFCCCA Awards
National Athlete of the Year
Men: Edward Cheserek, Oregon
Women: Kate Avery, Iona
 
National Coach of the Year
Men: Mark Wetmore, Colorado
Women: Walt Drenth, Michigan State

—From GoDucks.com