June 15, 2010

New Orleans, La. - The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced on Tuesday (June 15) that Grand Valley State was awarded the Division II Women's Program of the Year Award for the 2009-10 school year. This is the second consecutive season the Lakers have captured the title.

"We are thrilled and honored to achieve this accomplishment for the second year in a row for our women," head coach Jerry Baltes commented. "We take great pride in having quality student-athletes in each event area in order for us to compete at a high level in all three seasons."

In the 2009-10 cross country season, GVSU claimed a second place finish at the national race and had five student-athletes earn all-american honors. During the indoor track and field season the Lakers shared runner-up honors at the national meet, while at the outdoor championships Grand Valley State placed third. The Lakers qualified 22 women to the outdoor meet, the most ever in the program's history.

GVSU scored 7.5 points to earn the award, while Adams State was second with 14. In order to be eligible for the award, teams must qualify for the NCAA Champions. Scoring is based on the team's finish at each NCAA Division II Championships in cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field with the lowest total score for all three championships combined determining the award recipient.