USTFCCCA Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, La. (November 19, 2019) - Regional Athletes and Coaches of the Year for the 2019 NCAA Division I Cross Country season were announced on Tuesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) following Regional Championships Friday.
Director
Michael Smith was named as the Men's Coach of the Year in the Mountain Region earning him his third consecutive Chick Hislop Award. In his third year as head coach, Smith led the Lumberjacks to the team title at the Mountain Region Championships with 21 points. Northern Arizona also won team titles at the Big Sky Conference Championships, Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational, John McNichols Invitational and George Kyte Invitational. It is the eighth time in modern-era history that an NAU coach has earned the Chick Hislop Award and the fourth consecutive year in a row.
Senior
Geordie Beamish, a senior from Havelock North, New Zealand, was named as the Men's Athlete of the Year in the Mountain Region. He won the individual title at the Mountain Region Championships when he covered the 10K tract in 30:25.6 in Salt Lake City this past weekend. He also ran well at the Big Sky Cross Country Championships (2nd) and at the Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational (8th). This is the sixth time in modern-era history that an NAU runner has earned this honor.
A two-time All-American in XC Beamish will be leading the charge for the 'Jacks this weekend at NCAA Division I National Championships in Terre Haute.
