Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University has been recognized with six regional honors by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association for the 2024 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field season. The awards, announced on March 15, highlight the achievements of both the men's and women's teams in the Midwest Region.

The men's team at Grand Valley State swept several categories, earning titles for Regional Track Athlete of the Year, Regional Field Athlete of the Year, Regional Head Coach of the Year, and Regional Men's Assistant Coach of the Year. The women's team received coaching honors for both Regional Head Coach of the Year and Regional Women's Assistant Coach of the Year.

Caleb Futter was named 2024 Midwest Region Track Athlete of the Year after finishing as NCAA Division II National Champion in the men's mile with a time of 4:18.02. Futter also anchored a fourth-place finish in the men's DMR squad at Nationals. He closed out his indoor season as a National Champion and set a new Grand Valley State record in the men's mile with a time of 3:58.65.

Jaivon Harrison earned recognition as 2024 Midwest Region Field Athlete of the Year. Harrison became NCAA Division II National Champion in men's high jump, clearing 2.19m, and set a personal best and GLIAC Meet record at 2.23m during championships.

Steve Jones was honored as Midwest Region Men's Assistant Coach of the Year for his contributions to athletes' success in high jump events at national championships, where his athletes scored significant points.

Matt Conly received accolades as Midwest Region Women's Assistant Coach of the Year after guiding six athletes to compete at nationals, contributing points through performances in weight throw and shot put events.

Head Coach Jerry Baltes was awarded Midwest Region Men's and Women's Head Coach of the Year for leading his teams to strong finishes this season. The men’s team secured an NCAA Division II Runner-Up title while achieving multiple individual national titles; meanwhile, Baltes' leadership helped claim another GLIAC title for both men’s and women’s teams.

Baltes also received recognition as GLIAC Men's and Women's Head Coach of the Year due to these accomplishments throughout their competitive seasons.