Holland Reporter

Jerry Baltes, the head coach of Grand Valley State University, and junior runner Lauren Kiley have been honored with the USTFCCCA NCAA Division II Cross Country Midwest Region Awards. The announcement was made by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Thursday after a vote by its member coaches.

Baltes was recognized as the Men's Coach of the Year for leading his team to victory at both the Midwest Region Championships, where they scored 40 points, and the GLIAC Championships with 15 points. Additionally, he received recognition as the Female Coach of the Year for guiding his women's team to championship titles in both events, scoring 20 points at the Midwest Region Championships and 23 points at the GLIAC Championships.

Lauren Kiley earned the title of Women's Athlete of the Year despite participating in only two races this season. Her impressive performances included victories at both the Midwest Region Championships with a time of 20:57.8 and at the GLIAC Championship with a time of 20:46.2.