Ashland University's Drew Windle has been named the 2014 Midwest Region male outdoor track athlete of the year by the United States Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches of America. Assistant coach Dave Smalley has been cited as the Midwest Region men's assistant coach of the year.
Both awards were announced on Friday (May 16) by the organization.
Windle, a junior from New Albany, Ohio, ran the division's fastest 800 of the year - and the 10th fastest in Division II history - in 1:46.91. He owns Division II's second best 1500 meters time - 3:44.92. He won the GLIAC championship in the latter and was the runner-up in the 800. He is entered in the 800 at nationals.
Smalley is in his 23rd and final season as an AU assistant coach. He coaches the sprints, relays and hurdles. Five of his student-athletes will be competing at nationals next week at Grand Valley State. One of his charges - Elijha Owens - is the GLIAC runner of the year and is nationally ranked in the Top 10 in the 110 hurdles and 400 hurdles.
The AU men are ranked third in the country and the Ashland women are ranked fifth. The head coach of the Eagles is Jud Logan.
AU
TRCK/ALK