2024 D1 Outdoor Track End of Season Awards

Written by Maura Beattie, Finn Birnie & Garrett Zatlin, votes via TSR D1 staff

Additional edits & commentary by Garrett Zatlin

Welcome back to a trimestrial classic, our End of Season Awards!

Below, we listed our five seasonal awards for the men and five seasonal awards for the women, all for the Division One level. These awards are a way to highlight the accomplishments of certain individuals from the entirety of the outdoor track season. You'll also find our criteria for each of these awards as we list our nominees.

In the second-half of this article, you'll find the votes from our TSR contributors (click that link if you want to skip all of the summary parts).

Let's begin...

NOTE: Max total of nine nominees per award

Best Freshman Award (Men)

*Athletes who hold freshman status stemming from any type of eligibility extension (not including missions) are not considered for this award. International freshmen are included amongst these nominees unless we have reason to believe that they do not meet our criteria. Performances past 6/5 that were NOT at the NCAA Championships are not considered.

Habtom Samuel (New Mexico)

Let's just be blunt: Habtom Samuel is on a whole different level as far as freshmen in the NCAA are concerned. He ran the NCAA #2 all-time 10k mark of 26:53 back in March and won a 10k national title after falling. Oh, and he ran 13:13 (5k) at the Bryan Clay Invite (in a very narrow loss). We don't want to spoil our votes, but you can probably imagine who is going to win this award.

Denis Kipngetich (Oklahoma State)

It was a more-than-solid season for Denis Kipngetich. The Oklahoma State freshman only raced four times total this spring, but three sub-28:30 (10k) efforts and a bronze medal in that event on the national stage makes him one of the best names among all of these rookie candidates.

Brian Musau (Oklahoma State)

During most years, Brian Musau would be winning this award. That's because the Oklahoma State freshman dropped a fantastic 5k PR of 13:13 at the Bryan Clay Invite to defeat New Mexico superstar Habtom Samuel by the slimmest of margins. And after placing 4th overall at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in that same event, which was VERY top-heavy, Musau has proven that he is among the best in the nation (and not just the freshman class).

Andrew Casey (Wisconsin)

It's rare that you find freshmen as talented as Andrew Casey also establish the consistency that he did this spring -- and then go on to find success in the postseason. Sure, the Badger rookie never cracked the 1:47 (800) barrier, but he did run that PR twice and didn't run slower than 1:48 over that distance until the national meet where he ran 1:49. Overall, the future looks very, very bright for this surprisingly reliable freshman.

Kole Mathison (Colorado)

After sitting out during the cross country season and racing only once during the indoor track season, Kole Mathison began to find some momentum on the outdoor oval. The Buffalo freshman ran 8:47 in the steeplechase at the West Regional Championships after earning bronze in that event at the PAC-12 Championships. Mathison would end his season in the steeplechase prelims on the national stage, but four efforts under nine minutes in that event (five if you include conversions) is fairly impressive for a true freshman.

Parvej Khan (Florida)

There was no denying that Parvej Khan was the best freshman in the country this past spring in the middle distance events. His kick was lethal, his 1500-meter prowess led to him running a 3:38 PR and he could drop down in distance where he ran 1:46 for 800 meters (twice). He'll still need to learn how to utilize his wicked speed on the national stage, but Khan looks like one of the most fearsome runners to toe the line next to.

Rocky Hansen (Wake Forest)

After a beyond-excellent cross country season that was ended too early because of an injury, Rocky Hansen spent the winter months getting back into top form. Sure enough, we saw that this past spring as the Wake Forest freshman ran 13:44 for 5000 meters. He later qualified for the outdoor national meet in that event where he placed 16th. On paper, this was *probably* not the best version of Hansen that we've seen this year, but it was still really darn good. And in our eyes, that's enough to put him as a candidate for this award.

Adisu Guadia (Oklahoma State)

All four races of Adisu Guadia's outdoor track season were 10k efforts. Some went well (like the Stanford Invite where he ran 28:10), others went "just okay" (like the BIG 12 Championships and the West Regional Championships) and others went poorly (like the national meet where he placed 22nd overall). Even so, running a time as fast as 28:10 and advancing to the national stage over 10,000 meters is a level of talent that makes someone one of the best rookies in the NCAA.

Ernest Cheruiyot (Texas Tech)

The raw fitness of Ernest Cheruiyot was beyond impressive this season. Not only did he run 27:53 for 10,000 meters at the Bryan Clay Invite, but he also ran 13:38 for 5000 meters and placed 4th overall at the outdoor national meet in the 10k. There is no denying that this Texas Tech freshman was one of the absolute best freshman in the entire country this past spring.

Best Freshman Award (Women)

*Athletes who hold freshman status stemming from any type of eligibility extension (not including missions) are not considered for this award. International freshmen are included amongst these nominees unless we have reason to believe that they do not meet our criteria. Performances past 6/5 that were NOT at the NCAA Championships are not considered.

Gladys Chepngetich (Clemson)

Gladys Chepngetich made statement for Clemson over 800 meters this past spring following her 1:59 performance at the East Regional Championships. The Tiger freshman had a strong outdoor campaign, one highlighted by an 800-meter victory and a 1500-meter 2nd place finish at the ACC Championships, as well as an NCAA Outdoor Championship berth. Chepngetich has proven her range from the 800 meters up to the 6k on the cross country course and that versatility makes her a legitimate contender for our "Best Freshman" award.

Judy Kosgei (South Carolina)

From the 800 meters to the 5k, South Carolina’s Judy Kosgei can do it all! The Gamecock star ran PRs on the outdoor oval of 2:01 (800), 4:07 (1500) and 16:12 (5k) this spring. Kosgei’s first appearance at the outdoor national meet resulted in a 19th place finish in the prelims of the 1500 meters, but everyone has an "off" day here and there. The range, poise and maturity that this freshman displayed makes her a quality candidate for this award.

Sophia Gorriaran (Harvard)

Harvard’s Sophia Gorriaran entered college as one of the best prep 800-meter runners in the nation and that proved to be true in her rookie outdoor track season. The Crimson freshman ran just one 800-meter race prior to the postseason, recording a 2:01 mark in mid-April. After an upset loss at the Ivy League Championships, Gorriaran ran a shiny 2:00 (800) PR at the East regional meet, ran 2:00 again in the national meet prelims and was the only freshman to make the 800-meter finals where she placed 9th

Juliet Cherubet (Texas Tech)

At first, we thought Juliet Cherubet was going to be a 5k runner following her 15:25 showing at the Bryan Clay Invite. However, the Texas Tech freshman then ran 4:09 for 1500 meters and later qualified in both events for the outdoor national meet. After not qualifying for the 1500-meter finals, Cherubet got her revenge in the 5k and matched her PR en route to a 5th place All-American finish. The Red Raider newcomer was a shoo-in as a nominee for our "Best Freshman" award given her resume.

Doris Lemngole (Alabama)

Do we really have to go into much detail here? Doris Lemngole took the NCAA Division One steeplechase scene by storm this season, defeating 2023 NCAA champion Olivia Markezich and running the collegiate record of 9:15 en route to gold. The Alabama star is only a freshman and is already racing like a veteran.

Paityn Noe (Arkansas)

It’s hard to say which event Paityn Noe is better in following impressive runs of 15:34 (5k) and 32:57 (10k) this season. The Arkansas freshman, who hadn’t raced since the NCAA XC Championships, came out guns blazing in late March and carried that momentum all the way to a 9th place finish in the 10k at the outdoor national meet. Noe has proven that she’s on a different level than her freshman competitors when it comes to the longer distances.

Sophia Kennedy (Stanford)

This freshman talent never finished outside of the top-11 of any race during the outdoor track season. And with PRs of 4:20 (1500) and 15:33 (5k), her resume is already looking solid. Kennedy outran her seed position at the outdoor national meet in the 5k, finishing in 11th place, and was only three seconds shy of becoming an All-American, an honor that will surely come sooner rather than later.

Karrie Baloga (Northern Arizona)

After a mid-year transfer from Colorado to Northern Arizona, Karrie Baloga is already one of the best steeplechasers in the country. The Lumberjack freshman excelled in the steeplechase this past outdoor track season, running 9:42 to finish in 8th place at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Of course, Baloga also displayed some great strength as well by running 15:56 in her first collegiate 5k.

Katie Clute (Oregon)

Katie Clute began her season with a strong 16:01 (5k) PR and if you thought she was going to opt to focus on that event, then you were wrong as she went all-in on the steeplechase. That ended up being the right move for the Oregon Duck as she recorded a runner-up performance in the steeplechase at the PAC-12 Championships and made her way to the NCAA Outdoor Championships. The 9:56 (steeplechase) PR that she ran in the prelims came up a mere two seconds shy of qualifying her for the final. But c'mon, she’s only a freshman! Placing 13th in the nation is still very good!

Most Improved Award (Men)

*Evaluates nationally competitive distance talents who were not expected to make the leaps in fitness that they did this spring. Prior seasons are used as a loose comparison tool when attempting to list nominees. Nominees for this award do not include true freshmen or athletes who were in their first season (not necessarily of outdoor track) of collegiate competition. Performances past 6/5 that were NOT at the NCAA Championships are not considered.

Tyrese Reid (Mississippi State)

After a promising winter campaign where he ran a pair of 1:47 marks for 800 meters, Tyrese Reid began his spring season with a bang. A monster 1:45 PR for the half-mile distance completely changed how we viewed this Mississippi State star. However, his postseason efforts left plenty to be desired.

Rynard Swanepoel (Wake Forest)

Few breakout seasons were less surprising than what we saw from Rynard Swanepoel. The Wake Forest star showed throughout last year that he was on the verge of a major breakthrough and he validated that theory by running 1:45 for 800 meters not once this season, but twice! After never previously running under 1:47 for that distance, the Demon Deacon talent comfortably surpassed that barrier, qualified for the national meet and even improved his 1500-meter PR to a strong time of 3:41.

Shane Cohen (Virginia)

Make no mistake, Shane Cohen was a talented Division Two half-miler who once placed 6th at the 2022 NCAA D2 Outdoor Championships and had run 1:48 (800) multiple times while with Tampa. But during his time with the Cavaliers, Cohen's rise was borderline unbelievable. He ran under his prior 1:48 PR six times in the spring months alone and won the NCAA title over 800 meters in a jaw-dropping time of 1:44-high. We've seen crazy-good hot streaks before, but Cohen's is among the all-time best.

Damien Dilcher (Iona)

The first-half of Damien Dilcher's outdoor track season was good, although it hardly caught our attention. But after running 3:39 for 1500 meters and producing an even faster 3:38 mark at the East Regional Championships, Dilcher was able to make it to the national meet. There, he advanced to the finals and put together a brilliant race to place 5th overall as well as earn All-American honors. The latter-half of Dilcher's season saw the Iona standout go from "good" to "great" -- and maybe even a bit more beyond that.

Evan Jenkins (Washington)

Admittedly, Evan Jenkins only competed once for Washington (in a Husky singlet) during his freshman year, making his "improvements" from his freshman year largely moot. Even so, running a jaw-dropping time of 28:04 to win the 10k title at the Stanford Invite as a redshirt freshman is beyond impressive. With a silver medal at the PAC-12 Championships and a 13:38 (5k) PR, it's clear that Jenkins truly reached a new nationally competitive tier that he was just beginning to hit during the winter months.

Gable Sieperda (Iowa State)

It's rare for veterans as established as Gable Siperda to find the success that he did this spring. After employing aggressive front-running strategies and running 8:26 in the steeplechase, the Iowa State standout was the more patient runner in the steeple finals on the national stage. That allowed him to place 3rd overall and run an 8:25 PR. Simply put, Sieperda looked like a different runner who was far more sure of his fitness than ever before.

James Corrigan (BYU)

There's no questioning that James Corrigan was a nationally competitive name prior to this past spring. He was a cross country All-American in the fall and ran 13:30 for 5000 meters to win the Husky Classic. And yet, there was something about Corrigan this spring where he simply looked better than he ever has before. He chipped away at his steeplechase PR and brought it all the way down to 8:28. In fact, Corrigan ran under 8:30 three times this season, made it to the steeplechase finals (where he placed 9th) and won the BIG 12 title. In our eyes, this was the most complete season that Corrigan has ever put together.

Cael Grotenhuis (Northern Arizona)

Arguably the most underrated distance runner in the NCAA this spring, Cael Grotenhuis found subtly great success this spring. He won his 5k heat at the Bryan Clay Invite in 13:38, he took down the Montana State duo of Ben Perrin and Matthew Ricthman at the BIG Sky Championships over 10,000 meters and he qualified for the NCAA Championships in both the 10k and the 5k, running a PR of 28:31 in the former event. Overall, Grotenhuis clearly took a massive step up this spring and that timing couldn't have been any better given how many key names NAU will soon lose in the fall.

Caden Norris (Texas A&M)

Another highly underrated name, Caden Norris established himself as one of the more steady and reliable half-milers in the country this season. The Texas A&M product had never run under 1:48 (800) prior to this past spring, but then ran 1:47 a total of four different times. He rarely had a poor outing and he made it to the national meet where he more than held his own to place 13th overall. He may not have had the flashiest resume, but Norris' improvements were just as impactful as many of the men whom we have already listed.

Most Improved Award (Women)

*Evaluates nationally competitive distance talents who were not expected to make the leaps in fitness that they did this spring. Prior seasons are used as a loose comparison tool when attempting to list nominees. Nominees for this award do not include true freshmen or athletes who were in their first season (not necessarily of outdoor track) of collegiate competition. Performances past 6/5 that were NOT at the NCAA Championships are not considered.

Makayla Paige (North Carolina)

Sure, Makayla Paige had already proven to us during the winter months that she was a "good" 800-meter runner who was capable of being competitive in the loaded ACC. Even so, the UNC star dropped her PR in that event all the way down from 2:03 to 2:00 (twice) this spring. She caught fire, established consistency and made it to the national meet. Paige may not have advanced to the finals while in Eugene, but there was no denying that she was a different (and better) runner this spring.

Victoria Bossong (Harvard)

Harvard’s Victoria Bossong was a solid 800-meter runner prior to the 2024 outdoor track season, but she quickly became so much more than that when she recorded back-to-back 800-meter PRs of 2:02 and 2:00 at the end of March. Prior to this spring, Bossong had never run faster than 2:04 (800) and wasn’t close to knocking on the door for the outdoor national meet. Nowadays, she's a real threat to go sub-2:00 over 800 meters in the spring of 2025.

Smilla Kolbe (North Florida)

Smilla Kolbe went from running 2:06 for 800 meters in 2023 to now being a real threat on the national stage in her marquee event following a 2:01 PR. The North Florida runner broke onto the scene late in the season when she dropped her 2:01 (800) mark to win her first ASUN Championship title. Kolbe, who transferred to North Florida from Southern Mississippi, competed at her first NCAA Outdoor Championship the other week. And although she didn’t qualify for the 800-meter finals, the gains made this season will set up the Osprey fairly well for what’s to come next.

Lily Murphy (Penn)

In her 10k debut at the Raleigh Relays, Penn’s Lily Murphy ran a fantastic mark of 32:40 for 3rd place and nearly matched that time en route to winning the 10k title at the Ivy League Championships as well. Murphy’s improvements didn’t just stop at the 10k as the sophomore also dug deep to run 15:51 for 5k. Murphy’s season may have ended on a sour note at her first outdoor national meet following a DNF in the 10k and later not toeing the line for the 5k. Of course, she’s still got two years in her collegiate career to show us what she’s made of.

Ella Chesnut (LSU)

LSU’s Ella Chesnut stole the show in the 10k for the Tigers, running a strong 32:46 mark in her event debut. The sophomore started hinting at some promising momentum after running a 16:08 (5k) PR on the indoor oval. And sure enough, when she toed the line for the 10k, she knocked that race out of the park en route to an 8th place finish, ahead of some 10k veterans, at the Raleigh Relays. Chesnut, a former steeplechaser, has found her calling in the 10k and could bring long distance success to the true sprint school that is LSU.

Taylor Lovell (BYU)

BYU sophomore Taylor Lovell began the outdoor track season without ever contesting the steeplechase. But by the time the NCAA Outdoor Championships ended, Lovell owned a 9:48 PR. The Cougar athlete made her event debut with a strong 10:04 (steeplechase) mark, a time that immediately put her in contention to qualify for the outdoor national meet. And once we saw her finish runner-up in the steeplechase at the BIG 12 Championships, we knew that she was primed to make a splash at the outdoor national meet (where she ultimately placed 9th in the finals). Lovell will be amongst the top returners next season in the steeplechase and after a year of experience under her belt, who’s to say that she’s not vying for a top-five finish in 2025?

Eva Jess (Texas)

Texas sophomore Eva Jess was impressive across the 10k distance this past outdoor track season, dropping her PR from 34:52 to 32:54. Just prior to that stellar 10k effort, Jess came oh-so-close to breaking 16:00 for 5k when she crossed the line in 16:04 at the Texas Relays. The Longhorn junior has obviously acclimated well to the training of new women’s distance coach Sarah Haveman Smith. And even though she just missed out on qualifying for the NCAA Outdoor Championships, Jess made huge gains in her fitness this year.

Chloe Thomas (UConn)

From a 16:37 (5k) mark to a 15:34 (5k) PR, UConn’s Chloe Thomas enters the chat for our "Most Improved" award. Thomas jumped onto our radar this season after she finished 2nd place in the 5k at the Raleigh Relays, taking down big names like Amina Maatoug (Duke), Siona Chishom (Notre Dame) and Samantha Bush (NC State). The Husky junior did enough the remainder of the season to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 5k. And thanks to a PR in Eugene, Thomas finished in 12th place ahead of a slew of established All-Americans.

Aniya Mosley (Ohio State)

Aniya Mosley began the 2023-2024 academic year with a respectable 2:08 (800) personal best, but after a breakout season, the Ohio State sophomore is closing it out with a 2:00 (800) PR. The Buckeye middle distance ace came on strong in the postseason, finishing a remarkable 2nd place over 800 meters at the BIG 10 Championships and she carried that momentum forward to the East Regional Championships. At her first outdoor national meet, Mosley exceeded any expectations placed upon her en route to her head-turning PR and a 7th place All-American finish.

Best Performance Award (Men)

*Must have run attached at least once this spring and must have been attached during the race in question. Multiple races over the span of a certain timeframe do not count as a lone "performance". However, performances that are amplified by the results of other meets/individuals with appropriate context are included. TSR writers can vote for the performance that they believe is either the most impressive, the most impactful, the most entertaining or the most surprising. Performances past 6/5 that were NOT at the NCAA Championships are not considered.

Nico Young Runs NCAA 10k Record of 26:52

Northern Arizona's Nico Young left the NCAA in awe after running 12:57 for 5000 meters during the indoor track season. But just a matter of weeks later, he left us with that very same feeling, this time in the 10,000 meters. In a race littered with pros, Young handled himself well in his first-ever effort over 25 laps, making well-preserved moves to keep himself in contention for the victory. Not only that, but he still had enough strength to defeat Mo Ahmed on the final straightaway and place 2nd overall with a time of 26:52, a new NCAA 10k record.

Parker Wolfe Upsets Nico Young for NCAA 5k Title

In one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the NCAA Championships, North Carolina’s Parker Wolfe squared off against overwhelming 5k national title favorite Nico Young as well as defending outdoor 5k national champion, Ky Robinson. After a tantalizingly slow first 4000 meters, Harvard’s Graham Blanks made an aggressive move with two laps to go, completely splitting the field barring the main protagonists. In what was a frantic burn-up on the bell lap, it was Wolfe who prevailed as he surged around Young in the final 150 meters, closing out the final 800 meters in 1:52 and earning himself his first NCAA title.

Colin Sahlman Runs 3:33-High for NCAA #2 All-Time 1500m Mark

Prior to this performance, Colin Sahlman’s range and unprecedented speed were well documented. However, a 3:33 (1500) clocking carries him into the upper-echelon of NCAA milers. In the fast section at the Bryan Clay Invitational, Sahlman showed remarkable poise until, with 200 meters to go, he unleashed a monstrous kick to surge past the defending NCAA 1500-meter champion, Nathan Green, as well as a whole host of pros. His heroics over the final lap rewarded him with the NCAA #2 all-time 1500-meter mark, but it was also only the beginning of the sophomore's terrific season.

Shane Cohen Upsets Field to Win NCAA 800m Title in 1:44-High

Virginia’s Shane Cohen entered the men’s 800-meter race as just a one-time All-American at the Division Two level. However, after a miraculous change in pace on the final straightaway, he flew past the field, dipping under 1:45 for the first time en route to an NCAA crown. Not only did he successfully navigate the chaos of the final 100 meters, but he also beat the overwhelming favorite, Sam Whitmarsh. Cohen proved numerous times this season that he is a master at measuring his effort and despite his hopes of victory seeming unlikely, he still defied the odds.

Habtom Samuel Wins NCAA 10k Title Despite Fall

Habtom Samuel arrived at Hayward Field as the overwhelming favorite in the 10,000 meters after running 26:53, a mark good enough for NCAA #2 all-time. However, these title hopes were briefly put on hold as the New Mexico star was caught on the wrong side of a pile-up with just 900 meters to go. Despite hitting the deck, Samuel didn't seem fazed as he gradually made his way back to the front. And with just one lap to go, he was in full control once more. The Lobo’s ability to stay calm was greatly rewarded as he claimed his first-ever NCAA title.

Liam Murphy Kicks Home to Give Villanova Penn Relays 4xMile Win

After claiming the DMR victory the day prior, Liam Murphy returned to the track for another epic battle with Virginia’s Gary Martin and Georgetown's Abel Teffra on the final leg of the 4xMile relay. During the last leg, multiple moves were made to take Murphy's lead position from him, but the Villanova star fought off every challenge thrown his way. With another big-time kick over the final 200 meters, Murphy was able to keep his challengers at bay, securing gold and bringing another wheel home for the Wildcats.

Sam Whitmarsh Runs 1:44 (800) for NCAA #7 All-Time Mark

Sam Whitmarsh has been smiling from ear to ear all season long, primarily because he is running exceptionally fast after overcoming serious health challenges. In Baton Rouge, the Aggie star threw down a jaw-dropping 1:44.46 mark over 800 meters which was not only a two-second PR, but it also placed him at NCAA #7 all-time. This performance was the catalyst that kicked off Whitmarsh’s memorable spring which concluded with him earning a silver medal over the half-mile distance at the NCAA Championships.

Joe Waskom Out-Kicks Field to Win NCAA 1500m Title

It was Joe Waskom who upset the apple cart in one of the most hotly contested NCAA 1500-meter finals ever. Entering the championship meet, it was safe to say that the Husky senior wasn't in his finest form, but he didn't let that stop him. He produced his trademark last-ditch kick to capture the victory over the star-studded field. Waskom’s victory was the perfect way to cap-off his collegiate career, making it two golds and five in a row for the Washington men between the mile and 1500-meter distances.

Parker Stokes Defeats Nathan Mountain for NCAA Steeple Title

After earning a bronze medal at the NCAA Championships in 2022, it was clear that Parker Stokes had a future over the barriers. However, after a relatively disappointing few seasons, the Georgetown ace finally met those lofty expectations by securing his first national title. Stokes advanced through the race perfectly, challenging east coast rival Nathan Mountain over the final lap. With exactly 100 meters to go, the Hoya unleashed a huge close, flinging himself over the final barrier to victory.

Best Performance Award (Women)

*Must have run attached at least once this spring and must have been attached during the race in question. Multiple races over the span of a certain timeframe do not count as a lone "performance". However, performances that are amplified by the results of other meets/individuals with appropriate context are included. TSR writers can vote for the performance that they believe is either the most impressive, the most impactful, the most entertaining or the most surprising. Performances past 6/5 that were NOT at the NCAA Championships are not considered.

Michaela Rose Runs NCAA #2 All-Time 800m Mark of 1:58

LSU’s Michaela Rose completely obliterated the field at the Bryan Clay Invitational as she soloed to a jaw-dropping mark of 1:58.37 for 800 meters. Her gun-to-tape effort improved upon her prior NCAA #2 all-time mark (in-season) that she set last spring. She also became the second collegian ever to run under 1:59 for the half-mile distance in-season.

Maia Ramsden Runs NCAA #2 All-Time 1500m Mark of 4:02

In a field full of professionals at the USATF LA Grand Prix, Maia Ramsden held her own and ran herself into the collegiate record book with an NCAA #2 all-time 1500-meter effort. The Harvard athlete took nearly four seconds off her personal best which had been set back at the World Indoor Championships. This performance was just the beginning for Ramsden as she went on to defend her NCAA 1500-meter title.

Parker Valby Runs NCAA 10k Record of 30:50

In her first ever 10,000-meter race, Florida’s Parker Valby shattered every expectation that we had for her and then some. At the Bryan Clay Invitational the Gator was guided to the 5k mark in a brisk split of 15:30, but from then on, it was up to her. Of course, this was no problem for Valby as she powered to victory, running an extraordinarily fast 30:50 (10k) mark to demolish the NCAA record by 28 seconds and cement herself yet again as one of the best collegiate women in history.

Parker Valby Runs NCAA 5k Record of 14:52 to Win NCAA Title

After capturing the 10k title just two nights prior, Parker Valby did what she does best and went straight to the front in the 5000-meter finals. Her aggressive pace proved that she was gunning for more than just a national title, and this commitment was, of course, rewarded with both a title and an NCAA 5k record of 14:52. This result marked the Gators' fifth national title during this academic year.

Doris Lemngole Runs NCAA Steeple Record of 9:15 to Win NCAA Title

Alabama’s Doris Lemngole turned heads after comfortably defeating defending NCAA steeplechase champion Olivia Markezich during the regular season. In the hotly anticipated rematch, the duo battled going into the last lap, but the Crimson Tide star opened a gap around the penultimate curve which Markezich couldn't close. Lemngole crossed the line in a new collegiate record of 9:15, closing out her rookie year in style.

Juliette Whittaker Upsets Michaela Rose to Win NCAA 800m Title in 1:59

Juliette Whittaker has proven that she performs best when the lights are brightest. Entering the indoor national meet, she wasn't the favorite, yet she prevailed. It was a very similar story at the outdoor national meet. Much like she did during March, Whittaker kept her powder dry until the final 50 meters where she powered past both Gabija Galvydyte and Michaela Rose to capture her second national title in 2024. Her winning time of 1:59.63 (800) was just shy of her PR she set at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

Maia Ramsden Wins NCAA 1500m Title

To nobody's surprise, Maia Ramsden successfully defended her crown over 1500 meters at the NCAA Championships. Prior to the national meet, Ramsden had set an NCAA #2 all-time mark of 4:02, establishing herself as a top contender. Arriving in Eugene, Oregon with a significant target on her back, she remained unfazed. Ramsden strategically let her competitors lead in the early stages before unleashing a blistering 2:05 final 800-meter split, pulling away from the field to win convincingly in 4:06 (time), nearly two seconds ahead of her rivals.

Parker Valby Wins NCAA 10k Title

After running 30:51 in her first ever 10,000 meters, Florida’s Parker Valby arrived at Hayward Field as the overwhelming favorite. As expected, she delivered on these expectations, battling Alabama’s Hilda Olemomoi until one mile to go, where she opened up a five-second gap. This victory looked exceptionally easy for the Gator and proved to only be the opening act for her epic 5k collegiate record she would set two days later.

Maia Ramsden Splits 4:22 on Anchor Leg of Harvard's Penn Relays-Winning DMR

Harvard’s Maia Ramsden has been running exceedingly fast all season, so seeing her perform just as impressively with a baton in her hand was no surprise. The Harvard star battled with Providence’s Kimberley May until the last lap, but Ramsden’s sensational 4:22 closing split proved all too much for her fellow Kiwi to contend with. Ramsden crossed the line in 10:37, a new NCAA #1 all-time DMR mark.

Best Distance Coach Award (Men's Teams)

*Considers performances throughout the entirety of the 2024 outdoor track season. Success relative to seasonal expectations or success relative to historical accolades of the program are factored into account when listing nominees. Performances past 6/5 that were NOT at the NCAA Championships are not considered.

Mike Smith (Northern Arizona)

When you have two of the top-five distance runners in the country (Nico Young and Colin Sahlman), you're naturally going to be nominated for this award. It also helped that Aaron Las Heras, Brodey Hasty, Kang Kyoak and Cael Grotenuis all had relatively strong seasons as well. Admittedly, this wasn't the best version of NAU's men's distance program that we've ever seen from them, but it was still very much one of the better overall distance groups in the NCAA this spring.

Dave Smith (Oklahoma State)

There is a very real argument to be made that Dave Smith should win this award. Brian Musau and Denis Kipngetich were fantastic this spring as top-tier All-Americans with excellent times. Fouad Messaoudi and Alex Stitt both ran 3:38 (1500) or faster while Adisu Guadia ran 28:10 for 10,000 meters. Alex Maier was a two-event national qualifier and Mehdi Yanouri also advanced to the national meet over 800 meters. With tons of depth across the board, the Cowboys stood out as a very formidable distance running power.

Andy Powell (Washington)

This wasn't necessarily the most dominant that we've ever seen Washington's "Big Three" (which features Luke Houser, Joe Waskom and Nathan Green) ever be. Even so, that trio still had moments of brilliance this year. Tack on a huge Stanford Invite 10k win for Evan Jenkins and you get more than enough distance running value for Andy Powell to be nominated.

Mick Byrne (Wisconsin)

Adam Spencer was a truly elite miler this spring. Jackson Sharp ran 13:17 for 5000 meters. Logan Measner looked like a fringe All-American threat at one point after winning the BIG 10 steeplechase title. Freshman Andrew Casey was super consistent over 800 meters and made it to the national meet. All of that happened with standout talents Bob Liking and Abdullahi Hassan redshirting this spring. When you factor in that last part, then Coach Mick Byrne may have an argument to win this award.

Marcus O'Sullivan (Villanova)

The three-headed monster of Liam Murphy, Sean Dolan and Marco Langon were arguably as good as they ever have been this past spring. The Wildcat trio gave their team nationally competitive firepower throughout most of the distance events in addition to two Penn Relays wheels. Charlie O'Donovan was a nationally competitive miler as well, Dan Watcke ran 1:47.00 for 800 meters and Devon Comber began to show very real signs of promise. Overall, this may have been the best Villanova distance group that we've seen in any season of the Murphy/Dolan/Langon era.

Jeremy Sudbury (Iowa State)

Across the board, Iowa State was simply really, really good. Finley McLear and Darius Kipyego each ran 1:45 marks for 800 meters and the former got bronze on the national stage. Sanele Masondo became a legitimate postseason threat after winning a BIG 12 title and earning All-American honors. Gable Siperda also earned bronze on the national stage with his discipline being the steeplechase. Peter Smith was quietly excellent over 1500 meters, Said Mechaal was still a top talent, Ezekiel Rop was an All-American and the Iowa State men went 1-2-3 in the 1500-meter finals at the BIG 12 Championships. What's not to like?

Vin Lananna (Virginia)

Wow, what a season for the Virginia men. Shane Cohen's evolution into an 800-meter star was one thing, but Gary Martin running 3:37 (1500) while Wes Porter earned All-American honors in that event showcased impressive middle distance depth. Will Anthony developed into a legitimate and nationally competitive long distance standout. Nathan Mountain and Yasin Sado were somewhat clearly the best steeplechase duo in the country. And the depth? Well, the overall depth of this distance group was just as good as many other distance programs highlighted in this section.

Chris Miltenberg (North Carolina)

Between Parker Wolfe, Ethan Strand and Alex Phillip, the level of firepower that Coach Chris Miltenberg recruited and developed has been amazing. We also began to see some encouraging spring campaigns from guys like Aiden Neal, Andrew Regnier, Kyle Reinheimer, Jake Gebhardt and Colton Sands. Seeing Will Coogan and Patrick Anderson return to decent form after a severe car crash from last year was also a very underrated part of the successes that the UNC men had this spring.

Paul Ereng (Texas A&M)

While he mainly works with middle distance runners, Paul Ereng still made the most out of his 800-meter group. The Texas A&M men were the only team to send three different individuals to the outdoor national meet this year over the half-mile distance. Sam Whitmarsh and Kimar Farquarson both became All-Americans in that event while Caden Norris was one of the better breakout names in the NCAA this season. With both Ondrej Gajdos (1:48) and Cooper Cawthra (1:49) cracking the 1:50 barrier and the Aggies winning the 4x800-meter title at the Penn Relays, it's hard to say that Paul Ereng wasn't one of the best middle distance coaches (if not the absolute best) in the nation this spring.

Best Distance Coach Award (Women's Teams)

*Considers performances throughout the entirety of the 2024 outdoor track season. Success relative to seasonal expectations or success relative to historical accolades of the program are factored into account when listing nominees. Performances past 6/5 that were NOT at the NCAA Championships are not considered.

Dave Smith (Oklahoma State)

Yet again and to no one's surprise, the Oklahoma State women were flat-out awesome this spring. Gabija Galvydyte peaked perfectly for the postseason, ultimately grabbing bronze over 800 meters at the national meet. Taylor Roe was a double All-American while Molly Born earned 4th place All-American honors of her own. Billah Jepkirui didn't even toe the line for the national meet, but she still ran 4:08 for 1500 meters and was clearly a national-caliber star. We also saw Gabby Hentemann win the BIG 12 title over 10k and advance to the national meet in that event. With great depth across the board, Dave Smith could absolutely be favored to win this award depending on who you ask.

JJ Clark (Stanford)

The revival of Roisin Willis as a truly elite 800-meter threat paired with Juliette Whittaker peaking for the postseason (again) was huge for the seasonal resume of JJ Clark. And even without Amy Bunnage in top form, we still saw huge strides being made from freshman Sophia Kennedy who ran 15:33 (5k) on the national stage. The success of this spring was mainly limited to those four women (and maybe Lucy Jenks as well), but there was still plenty to like about JJ Cark's team this spring.

Diljeet Taylor (BYU)

While this spring may not have been quite as fruitful as the winter was for the BYU women, this group still had tremendous success. Sadie Sargent and Jenna Hutchins both became All-Americans while Taylor Lovell had a huge breakout season and nearly earned All-American honors of her own. Riley Chamberlain wasn't quite in top form, but she still held her own on multiple occasions. And remember, the Cougars had that much production while Lexy Halladay-Lowry, Carmen Alder and Meghan Hunter were ALL redshirted. If anything, that makes this season that much more impressive for Coach Diljeet Taylor.

Shalane Flanagan (Oregon)

Believe it or not, the Oregon women only had one All-American at this year's outdoor national meet (Klaudia Kazimierska). Even so, when you pair her success with the fact that both Silan Ayyildiz and Maddie Elmore ran 15:15 for 5000 meters, it becomes difficult to leave Coach Shalane Flanagan out of this conversation. With freshman Kate Clute and Mia Barnett also advancing to the national meet, there was enough production and depth in our eyes to have the Oregon coach listed among this group.

Will Palmer (Florida)

If you're someone who values firepower over depth, then Coach Will Palmer has a very good argument as someone who can win this award. Simply keeping Parker Valby at a level as dominant as she was is one thing. But to also get Flomena Asekol to have the best track season she's ever had while Elise Thorner ran a sizable steeplechase PR after being stuck at her previous mark was huge. With all three of those women combining to produce four All-American honors, the Gators' newest distance coach may have done enough to give himself this win in our awards.

Nick Stenuf (Alabama)

It's admittedly tough for a coach to win this award based on the success of only two women. Even so, Coach Nick Stenuf developed arguably the best distance duo in the nation this spring, one that may have even rivaled Roisin Willis and Juliette Whittaker. The dominance of Hilda Olemomoi and Doris Lemngole, with each name thriving on the national stage and producing all-time marks in the longer distance events, makes it impossible to leave Stenuf out of this discussion.

Chris Johnson (Arkansas)

They may not be the first team that you think of, but the Arkansas women were certainly one of the more well-rounded distance groups in the country this spring. Sanu Jallow ran 1:59 (800), Paiytn Noe was one of the best overall freshman in the NCAA among distance runners, Sydney Thorvaldson seemed to fully translate her cross country success to the oval and Laura Taborda ran a huge steeplechase PR of 9:35 on the national stage. Of those four women, three of them earned All-American honors and the only one who didn't (Noe) still placed 9th on the national stage over 10,000 meters.

Laurie Henes (NC State)

This may not have been the best overall season for the NC State women compared to prior years, but it would be silly to say that Laurie Henes wasn't one of the nine-best distance coaches in the NCAA this spring. Grace Hartman solidified herself as a star while Sam Bush and Amaris Tyynismaa got back into/near top form. Angelina Napoleon began to find her groove, Kelsey Chmiel was healthy enough to be competitive, Leah Stephens earned a great win at the Penn Relays and their depth was still plenty solid as well.

Matt Sparks (Notre Dame)

The steeplechase duo of Olivia Markezich and Sophie Novak were excellent this spring, both earning All-American honors in that same event. However, what allows Coach Matt Sparks to be among these candidates is the fact that Siona Chisholm began to return to top form while Claire Sievern was able to run 2:03 for 800 meters. Andrea Markezich also looked as strong as she ever did, advancing to the national meet over 10,000 meters, while Arianne Olson may be the team's next future star. It also didn't hurt that Erin Strzelecki ran 32:44 (10k) as well.

Most Valuable Runner Award (Men)

*Must have run attached this season. Performances past 6/5 that were NOT at the NCAA Championships are not considered. Voters can choose to vote for the best distance runner or the most valuable distance runner this season.

Nico Young (Northern Arizona)

Nico Young has continued to do Nico Young things, and his remarkable 26:52 (10k) collegiate record is a testament to that. Not only did he shatter the NCAA record over the 25-lap distance, but he also flexed his muscles over the shorter distances. A 1:47 mark for 800 meters and a 3:34 effort for 1500 meters (NCAA #3 all-time) are truly remarkable times for someone who many consider to be more aerobically inclined. While he may not have come out on top at the NCAA Championships over 5000 meters, his season is still one to marvel at.

Parker Wolfe (North Carolina)

The wait is finally over: Parker Wolfe is an NCAA champion. The Tar Heel has been one of the most versatile and consistent runners this year and after capturing two silvers (5k/3k) at the indoor national meet, he finally bested Nico Young on the outdoor oval over the 5000-meter distance. A blistering 1:52 final 800 meters was enough to brush aside his rivals and earn his first crown. Wolfe concluded his spring campaign with one NCAA gold, two ACC golds, a 3:36 PR for 1500 meters and a solo 13:19 (5k) clocking.

Colin Sahlman (Northern Arizona)

Simply put, sophomore Colin Sahlman has been superb this spring. The youngster clocked an electric 3:33.96 mark for 1500 meters, setting a new NCAA #2 all-time mark. Then, just a few weeks later, he returned to the track to run 3:34. If that wasn't impressive enough, he also threw down a huge 1:45 PR over 800 meters to topple NCAA indoor 800-meter national champion, Rivaldo Marshall. While a 4th-place finish at the national meet in the 1500-meter finals may not have been what he wanted, it's still been an incredible season for someone with plenty of years ahead of him.

Shane Cohen (Virginia)

It's been a fairytale season for Virginia newcomer, Shane Cohen. The Cavalier entered the season as just a one-time All-American at the Division Two level and ended it as the NCAA Division One 800-meter champion. Cohen's ability to summon a kick from the dark depths of the final straightaway is unmatched and it’s a skill that was on display all season long. An NCAA title, an ACC bronze medal and a 1:44-high (800) PR isn't half bad for a guy who struggled to break 1:53 over 800 meters this time last year.

Sam Whitmarsh (Texas A&M)

Not many athletes have shown the perseverance that Texas A&M star Sam Whitmarsh has displayed this spring. After facing some tricky health challenges, Whitmarsh defied the odds, running a blistering 1:44.46 to move to NCAA #7 all-time in the 800 meters. He then capitalized on that momentum with a comfortable 1:45 (800) mark to win the SEC title. And, while he may not have come away with gold at Hayward Field, the Aggie can certainly continue smiling as it has been a season to remember.

Habtom Samuel (New Mexico)

Freshman sensation Habtom Samuel has been flawless all year and this spring might just be his most impressive NCAA campaign yet. The Lobo kicked off his season with a jaw-dropping 26:53 mark over 10,000 meters and followed that up with a fantastic 13:13 effort in the 5k. In Eugene, Oregon, he secured All-American finishes in both the 5k and 10k, but it was his performance in the 10k that truly stood out. Despite hitting the deck with just over two laps to go, Samuel showed remarkable composure and tenacity, surging back to claim his first NCAA crown. 

Elliott Cook (Oregon)

While it was Joe Waskom who won the 1500-meter national title, it was Elliott Cook who had the better overall season. The Oregon star ran 3:38 and 3:37 for 1500 meters, won double gold between the 1500 meters and 800 meters at the PAC-12 Championships (taking down Washington's "Big Three" in the former event) and secured silver on the national stage. With a 1:47 (800) mark being produced over 800 meters as well, you could argue that Cook was the most complete middle distance runner in the NCAA this spring (along with Sahlman).

Parker Stokes (Georgetown)

Georgetown’s Parker Stokes timed his postseason peak to perfection and was rewarded with the greatest honor a collegiate runner can obtain: an NCAA title. The steeple star was very solid during the regular season, but his 8:26 was a far cry from his 8:18 back in 2022. However, Stokes truly came into his own in Eugene, Oregon producing a devastating close to topple race favorite Nathan Mountain and earn what felt like a long-awaited title. 

Nathan Mountain (Virginia)

There aren’t many steeplechase talents as complete as Virginia’s Nathan Mountain. The Cavalier has been terrific this season, running exceptional marks of 8:20 in the steeplechase and 13:32 in the 5k. At the NCAA Championships, Mountain couldn’t quite respond to Parker Stokes' final surge, but a silver medal is a testament to his steady improvement over the last year and will certainly add more fuel to the fire as he searches for his first title next year.

Most Valuable Runner Award (Women)

*Must have run attached this season. Performances past 6/5 that were NOT at the NCAA Championships are not considered. Voters can choose to vote for the best distance runner or the most valuable distance runner this season.

Parker Valby (Florida)

Florida’s Parker Valby is in a class of her own and she just capped off an undefeated season. Aside from winning the 5k and 10k at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, the Gator standout ran NCAA records of 14:52 (5k) and 30:50 (10k) this spring! Valby’s going into the history book as one of the best in the game for not only her record-setting performances and accolades, but also for the dominating ways that she became victorious. 

Maia Ramsden (Harvard)

Maia Ramsden remained victorious on the national stage after repeating as the 1500-meter champion at the outdoor national meet. The Harvard junior ran the NCAA #2 all-time 1500-meter time with her 4:02 effort earlier in the season and set herself apart from her competitors as the postseason approached. Ramsden's success didn’t stop at the 1500 meters as the Crimson ace flexed impressive strength with her 15:29 (5k) PR. Range and brilliant tactics is what sets Ramsden apart from her competition. 

Kimberley May (Providence)

It’s been a breakout year for Providence’s Kimberley May and after running a massive 4:07 (1500) PR, the Friar junior is one you can’t count glance over. May was on fire during the outdoor track season, running not just her 1500-meter PR, but also recording a stellar 15:26 (5k) mark to win the BIG East Championship title in that event. The Providence athlete concluded her junior campaign with an All-American honor after finishing a strong 2nd place finish in the 1500 meters at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, out-kicking a strong field behind her. May’s consistency is unmatched by many in the NCAA right now. 

Michaela Rose (LSU)

LSU’s Michaela Rose was extremely consistent on the outdoor oval this spring, running multiple sub-2:00 (800) marks. One of those performances, a 1:58.37 (800) PR, gave the Tiger middle distance stud the NCAA #2 all-time mark. Rose nearly completed an undefeated season in her marquee event, but one little hiccup at the outdoor national meet left her finishing in 4th place. On top of what Rose did in the 800 meters, she also concludes her junior track season with the 600-meter NCAA record and will be back next season to reclaim the 800-meter title at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. 

Doris Lemngole (Alabama)

Doris Lemngole took the NCAA by storm her freshman year and ended it standing atop the podium at the NCAA Outdoor Championships after winning the steeplechase title in an NCAA record-breaking time of 9:15. The Alabama Crimson Tide newcomer impressed in the steeplechase right off the bat by taking down reigning NCAA champion Olivia Markezich (Notre Dame) in mid-April. Lemngole’s collegiate career is just getting started and her ceiling is still being determined. 

Olivia Markezich (Notre Dame)

Olivia Markezich faced some serious competition this outdoor track season in the steeplechase from Doris Lemngole (Alabama). The Notre Dame senior opened her season in a modest 9:36 (steeple) mark and got a first look at what the Alabama runner could do over the barriers. Markezich ran on the heels of her fiercest competitor at the outdoor national meet and even though she ran out of gas the final few meters, the Fighting Irish star ran the NCAA #3 all-time steeplechase mark of 9:17 to finish runner-up. Her growth from the beginning of her collegiate career to the end is something to commend Markezich on. 

Juliette Whittaker (Stanford)

Juliette Whittaker was enjoying a respectable season leading up to the NCAA Outdoor Championships and after not qualifying for the 2023 outdoor national meet, Whittaker ensured she earned a spot on the line for the 800 meters this time around. The Stanford sophomore employed a slightly different race tactic than the one that led to her 2024 indoor 800-meter title, this time opting to make her move with 100 meters remaining rather than 50 meters (and not initially hanging directly on Rose's shoulder). That move paid off big time as Whittaker crossed the finish line in 1st place and earned the Cardinal’s third 800-meter victory in the past two years. 

Hilda Olemomoi (Alabama)

What an end to the outdoor track season for Alabama’s Hilda Olemomoi! The Crimson Tide standout runner gave Florida’s Parker Valby a run for her money in the 5k and 10k at the NCAA Outdoor Championships and even though Olemomoi had to settle for 2nd place in both events, she added more fuel to the fire and will be searching for that elusive national title next season. Running times of 15:06 (5k) and 31:51 (10k) certainly didn't hurt her resume, either.

Taylor Roe (Oklahoma State)

Oklahoma State’s Taylor Roe may not have been able to go out with a bang and win a second NCAA title on the track, but she did finish her collegiate career as a 10-time All-American. The Cowgirl senior impressed in the 5k and 10k at the outdoor national meet, finishing 7th and 3rd, respectively, as well as running an impressive 32:17 (10k) PR in the process. You just can’t look past Roe’s gutsiness this outdoor track season and the legacy that she will leave at Oklahoma State both on the cross country course and track. 

FINAL VOTES

Best Freshman Award

Men

Garrett: Habtom Samuel (New Mexico)

Maura: Habtom Samuel (New Mexico)

Ben: Habtom Samuel (New Mexico)

Finn: Habtom Samuel (New Mexico)

Overall Winner: Habtom Samuel (New Mexico)

Women

Garrett: Doris Lemngole (Alabama)

Maura: Doris Lemngole (Alabama)

Ben: Doris Lemngole (Alabama)

Finn: Doris Lemngole (Alabama)

Overall Winner: Doris Lemngole (Alabama)

Most Improved Award

Men

Garrett: Shane Cohen (Virginia)

Maura: Shane Cohen (Virginia)

Ben: Shane Cohen (Virginia)

Finn: Shane Cohen (Virginia) 

Overall Winner: Shane Cohen (Virginia)

Women

Garrett: Aniya Mosley (Ohio State)

Maura: Aniya Mosley (Ohio State)

Ben: Aniya Mosley (Ohio State)

Finn: Aniya Mosley (Ohio State)

Overall Winner: Aniya Mosley (Ohio State)

Best Performance Award

Men

Garrett: Nico Young Runs NCAA 10k Record of 26:52

Maura: Shane Cohen Upsets Field to Win NCAA 800m Title in 1:44-High

Ben: Nico Young Runs NCAA 10k Record of 26:52

Finn: Nico Young Runs NCAA 10k Record of 26:52

Overall Winner: Nico Young Runs NCAA 10k Record of 26:52

Women

Garrett: Parker Valby Runs NCAA 10k Record of 30:50

Maura: Parker Valby Runs NCAA 10k Record of 30:50

Ben: Parker Valby Runs NCAA 5k Record of 14:52 to Win NCAA Title

Finn: Parker Valby Runs NCAA 10k Record of 30:50

Overall Winner: Parker Valby Runs NCAA 10k Record of 30:50

Best Distance Coach Award

Men

Garrett: Vin Lananna (Virginia)

Maura: Andy Powell (Washington)

Ben: Dave Smith (Oklahoma State)

Finn: Vin Lananna (Virginia)

Overall Winner: Vin Lananna (Virginia)

Women

Garrett: Dave Smith (Oklahoma State)

Maura: Will Palmer (Florida)

Ben: Will Palmer (Florida)

Finn: Dave Smith (Oklahoma State)

Overall Winner: Will Palmer (Florida)*

*Tie broken via TSR editor Gavin Struve

Most Valuable Runner Award

Men

Garrett: Nico Young (Northern Arizona)

Maura: Nico Young (Northern Arizona)

Ben: Nico Young (Northern Arizona)

Finn: Nico Young (Northern Arizona)

Overall Winner: Nico Young (Northern Arizona)

Women

Garrett: Parker Valby (Florida)

Maura: Parker Valby (Florida)

Ben: Parker Valby (Florida)

Finn: Parker Valby (Florida)

Overall Winner: Parker Valby (Florida)