Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University's track and field program has achieved significant recognition, securing six out of eight possible NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Regional Awards. The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced the honors on Friday.

Eli Kosiba and Kaylee Diamond were awarded Midwest Region Field Athlete of the Year titles. Coaches Steve Jones and Alan Peterson received accolades as men's and women's assistant coaches of the year, respectively. Jerry Baltes was recognized as both men's and women's head coach of the year.

The awards were determined by a vote from USTFCCCA member coaches after the 2025 NCAA DII Indoor Track & Field Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana. Grand Valley's success at the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) indoor championships led to their nominations for these regional awards.

Eli Kosiba was named Midwest Region Men's Field Athlete of the Year following his GLIAC Men's Field Athlete of the Year award. Kosiba tied Jim Dilling's indoor high jump record at 2.30m during the first meet of the season, earning him USTFCCCA Athlete of the Week honors. His consistent performance culminated in a National Champion title with a 2.23m jump at the NCAA Championships.

Kaylee Diamond also earned Midwest Region honors after being named GLIAC Women's Field Athlete of the Year. She broke Grand Valley State's long-standing indoor high jump record twice during the season, ultimately claiming a National Champion title with a 1.81m jump at the NCAA Championships.

Steve Jones was named Midwest Region men's assistant coach of the year for his third consecutive year, thanks to his athletes' strong performances in jumps events throughout the season.

Alan Peterson received his first regional honor as women's assistant coach of the year due to his work with mid-distance/distance athletes who scored significant points at both conference and national levels.

Jerry Baltes was honored as Midwest Region women's coach of the year for his leadership that resulted in a GLIAC Indoor Championship Title and a third-place finish at nationals. He also received recognition as men's coach of the year for leading them to another GLIAC title and an NCAA National Runner-Up finish.