New Orleans, La. - Missouri Southern sophomore Vincent Kiprop was named U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association D2 National Track Athlete of the Year today.

Kiprop, for a lack of a better term, was the runaway winner of this year's award, and rightfully so. The sophomore from Kericho, Kenya had an incredible outdoor season, as he ran the 7th-best time in NCAA Division II outdoor history over 10,000 meters in a winning effort at the prestigious Mt. SAC Relays. He crossed the finish line in 28:19.94, which was the best time of anyone in NCAA Division II this year. Kiprop capped off his spectacular campaign by claiming the 10,000 meter (28:32.07) title and set both a school and NCAA D2 Championship record in the 5000 meter (13:48.88) in Bradenton, Florida.

2016-17 Awards Winners
Athletes
Men's Track: Vincent Kiprop, Missouri Southern
Women's Track: Carly Muscaro, Merrimack
Men's Field: Cervantes Jackson, Albany State
Women's Field: Emilyn Dearman, Pittsburg State

Coaches
Men's Head Coach: George Williams, Saint Augustine's
Women's Head Coach: Darren Flowers, West Texas A&M
Men's Assistant Coach: Sandy Chapman, Saint Augustine's
Women's Assistant Coach: Jennifer Michel, Western State