Holland Reporter

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced the Regional Athletes and Coaches of the Year for the 2024 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field season on June 3rd. The awards were decided by a vote from USTFCCCA member coaches after the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Emporia, Kansas.

Myles Kerner was honored as the 2024 Midwest Regional Men's Field Athlete of the Year. He concluded his season as the NCAA Division II National Champion in men's shot put with a throw of 19.94m, setting new records for Grand Valley State and Welch Stadium. Kerner also secured first place at the Conference Championships with a distance of 19.33m and achieved six first-place finishes throughout the season, including at the Texas Relays. He is ranked first in Division II, eighth in All-Collegiate, and seventh on the Division II All-Time list.

The Grand Valley State men's coaching staff received accolades for both Men's Assistant Coach of the Year and Men's Head Coach of the Year in the Midwest Region.

Steve Jones was named 2024 Men's Assistant Coach of the Year in recognition of his successful outdoor season leading the jumps crew to significant points at both GLIAC Outdoor Championships and NCAA Championships. His athletes achieved a 1-3-6 finish at Nationals, highlighted by National Champion Jaivon Harrison.

Jerry Baltes, celebrating his 25th year as Head Coach at Grand Valley State, was awarded Midwest Region Head Coach of the Year honors. Under his leadership, Grand Valley's men's team finished fifth at Nationals with two individual titles. Baltes led multiple entries to compete in Emporia, Kansas, where they claimed their seventh consecutive conference title.

Matt Conly earned recognition as Midwest Region Women's Assistant Coach of the Year after guiding Grand Valley's throws crew to score significant points at Nationals. His group contributed notably to their fourth-place finish and two individual titles won by Erika Beistle.