The Ashland University Track and Field team has been recognized by the Great Midwest Athletic Conference with numerous individual accolades.
On Wednesday, March 25, as announced by the conference office, the Eagles were lauded with 22 total first and second-team honors. Ashland was also recognized for winning both the men's and women's indoor conference championships, with head coach AG Kruger taking home Coach of the Year honors.
Alongside Kruger's award, Men's Freshman and Athlete of the Year honors were given to Jon Lutz, who had an outstanding indoor season, while Leslie Pollock was given the Women's Field Athlete of the Year award.
For first-team honors, leading the way was Molly Winner, who earned honors in both the weight throw and shot put. Odessa Smith (60-meter hurdles), Hailey Rios (long jump), and a mix of relay and distance runners, including Emilie Lemon, Olivia Saylor, Jade Avance, Hope Sievert, Wes Taylor, Joe Wahl, Colton Thress, and Zach Vales, also received first-team recognition.
Additional top performers included Trinity Keith in the 60 meters, Jon Lutz in the hurdles, and Brayden Jackson in the pole vault, further contributing to Ashland's championship effort, earning first-team honors as well.
The Eagles also saw multiple athletes earn All-Conference Second Team honors, including Brianna Chenevey (400 meters), Leslie Pollock (weight throw), Abigail Hartzler (high jump), Connor Petrus (long jump), and members of the 4x400 relay unit Brian Turner and Dominick Brister.
Most of the track and field athletes will now begin working towards similar honors in the outdoor season, which has already begun. The Eagles' next dance will be at the Yellow Jacket Collegiate Open on Saturday, March 28.
