The Dordt University men’s cross country and track and field teams concluded its outstanding year by being named the Jack Hazen Men’s Program of the Year by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCA). The 2022-23 athletic year is the first time the Defenders earned the top NAIA honor.
The USTFCCCA Program of the Year Award honors the institution that has achieved the most success in each academic year (spanning the cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field seasons) based on the institution’s finish at the NAIA Championships.
In order to be eligible for the award, teams must qualify for each of the NAIA Championships. Scoring is based on the team’s finish at each NAIA Championship in cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field (i.e. 1st = 1 point, 2nd = 2 points … 31st = 31 points) with the lowest total score for all three championships combined determining the award winner. Ties among schools split points for positions taken.
The Defenders accounted for nine points and finished in the top five at all three NAIA Championships. They won the cross country title last fall, placed third at the indoor track and field championships and followed with a fifth place showing last month at the NAIA Outdoor Championships.
