Men's Cross Country and Track Programs Place 6th in Program of the Year Award
The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released the 2023-24 Program of the Year honor for NAIA men's and women's programs. The Doane men finished sixth overall this year, marking the second time since the award started that the Tigers were recognized. Doane placed fourth in 2021. In order to qualify for the award, a program must qualify for team scoring at the national meet in cross country, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field.
The Doane cross country team finished 15th at the national meet held in Vancouver, Washington, in November 2023. Nelson Ruto and Emmanuel Yego earned All-American performances to help the Tigers to their first Top 15 finish since 2004.
The indoor track & field team tied for 16th at the national meet in Brookings, South Dakota, in early March. Joaquin Gutierrez posted a school record in the 600m to earn one of four All-American performances for Doane.
Doane closed out the year at the end of May as the outdoor track & field team tied for 12th in Marion, Indiana. Zach Turner turned in three All-American performances in the 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, and anchoring the 4x400m relay team. Thomas Oliver added a school record and All-American performance in the 3000m steeplechase.
Cumberlands (Ky.) was named the Jack Hazen Program of the Year on the men's side. The award is named after the long-time Malone (Ohio) coach and Cumberlands took the top billing this year with a third place finish in the cross country national meet and first place finishes at both the indoor and outdoor track & field championships to finish with a point total of five (lowest score is best). A total of 23 teams qualified for the final standings this year.
On the women's side, College of Idaho took home the Fred Beile Program of the Year honor, named after Doane's legendary coach. The Coyotes won the cross country national title while taking 10th at indoors and 12th at outdoors to post 24 points. Cumberlands (Ky.) also finished with 24 points resulting in the need to use a tie-break which came down to best finish in a meet, held by the Coyotes in cross country. A total of 19 programs qualified for the women's honor.
Men's Top 10 Standings
1) Cumberlands (Ky.) - 5 points
2) Dordt (Iowa) - 23 points
3) Oklahoma City - 28 points
4) William Carey (Miss.) - 40 points
5) Indiana Wesleyan - 40.5 points
6) Doane (Neb.) - 45 points
7) The Master's (Calif.) - 46 points
8) Montreat (N.C.) - 47.5 points
9) Southeastern (Fla.) - 49 points
10) Milligan (Tenn.) - 53.5 points