CROSS COUNTRY

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced its regional Athletes of the Year for the 2021 NAIA Cross Country season and among the list was junior Haile Stutzman.

Stutzman was tabbed the Great Lakes Region Men’s Athlete of the Year. He posted a pair of impressive wins this season to earn this esteemed award. The first came at the NAIA Great Lakes Challenge when he ran 24:16 to beat a talented field by more than seven seconds.

Stutzman followed that up by winning the individual title at the Crossroads League Championships in 24:52 over another strong field where he clocked in eight seconds ahead of his nearest competitor.

The Silverton (Ore.) native has garnered three Crossroads League Runner of the Week praises this fall in addition to earning his third All-Conference badge.

The USTFCCCA awards this honor to five males across the country based on region. Other regional winners include Trevor Albert of Grand View (Midwest), Aaron Jones of Milligan (South), Zouhair Talbi of Oklahoma City (South Central) and Davis Boggess of The Master’s (West).

Honors were voted on by member coaches following the conclusion of the regular season.

Stutzman and crew, ranked 9th in final national poll, received an at-large bid to the NAIA National Championships slated for November 19 in Vancouver, Washington. It’s the Foresters’ third straight trip to the big stage.