Courtney Lindsey was named the male athlete of the year, Lea Grady took home the female athlete honor and Jordan Burkholder claimed coach of the year status.

 

The Tritons, who swept the Region XI team titles for a 15th consecutive season, won 27 combined regional events and had 69 all-region performers between the two teams.

 

"Coach Burkholder has done a great job in his first season as head coach of the Tritons," said Iowa Central Director of Track and Field and Cross Country, Dee Brown. "We trusted that he would do a great job and grow in his role this year, and that is exactly what he has done.

 

"The Tritons are poised to achieve some great things under his lead."

 

Iowa Central currently boasts 22 events ranked in the Top-4 in NJCAA including nine holding the No. 1 spot.

 

"I'm fortunate to have a great staff and group of students," Burkholder said. "Our athletes have bought in 100 percent with the training plans of their event coaches and the culture we have here at Iowa Central."

 

Lindsey, a sophomore who has committed to run for defending national champion Texas Tech next year, won both the 60-meter and 200-meter dash events, setting a new record in the process in the 60.

 

"It means a lot," Lindsey said. "It shows how hard work pays off and everything we have been working for."

 

A defending champion at the Drake Relays, Lindsey was second last year in the voting for the top male athlete award.

 

"Courtney, from day one, has worked hard on the track as well as the classroom," said assistant coach Justin Anderson. "He is the easiest guy to coach. I am not surprised by the success he has had, and he has much more to accomplish."

 

Grady, the nation's leading weight-thrower, set the Region XI record in the event with a toss of 61-9. She is also No. 2 in the country in the shot put with a throw of 51-9, having won both events at regionals.

 

"Lea is an extremely talented student and her hard work over the past two seasons is paying off in a big way," Burkholder said. "She is always pushing herself in the weight room and doing extra drills at practice to prepare for her upcoming meet."

 

Other athletes claiming individual regional titles for the Tritons were Awet Yohannes, Kelvin Bungei, Noah Bundrock, Oadiir Wajd, Jadon Watson, Harry Afaxoe, Elijah Barnes, Ronniel Johnson and Jacob Wedig on the men's side, with Hannah Connell, Florance Uwajeneza, Elenora Curtabbi, Lilian Busienei, Lilia Alvarez and Tamadja Rodgers earning gold for the women.

 

The men's 4x400 and distance medley, with the women's 4x400, 4x800 and distance medley were also first.

 

Iowa Central will bring a slew of athletes to the NJCAA Indoor National Championships beginning Friday in Liberty, Va.