Dec. 10, 2010
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IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa men’s track and field program recently held its annual banquet. Members of the team and coaches honored multiple student-athletes for their accomplishments and dedication to the team during the 2010 season. Fourteen awards were presented to 12 athletes. Student-athletes were also recognized for being letterwinners, senior members, academic All-Americans, all-Big Ten and All-American honorees.
Sophomore Jeff Thode was named the Deacon Jones Outstanding Cross Country Runner for the second consecutive year. Thode advanced to the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships in November. Thode placed 30th with a time of 30:21.4 and earned All-America status for his efforts.
Indoor all-Big Ten honorees included seniors Ray Varner, Steven Willey, junior Erik Sowinski and sophomore Kevin Dibbern. Outdoor all-Big Ten selections were Varner, Willey and sophomore Matt Byers for the first team. Second team recipients were Willey, Sowinski, Patrick Richards, Chris Barton, Jeffery Herron and Zeke Sayon.
Herron was also recognized for being the Most Dedicated Student-Athlete and the Most Inspirational Competitor. The junior from Richmond, Texas competes in the high jump, recording a collegiate best 6-11 at the ISU Classic last season.
2009-2010 Award Winners
Most Improved XC Runner: Mark Battista
Deacon Jones Outstanding XC Runner: Jeff Thode
Most Dedicated Student Athlete: Jeffery Herron
Coaches Award: Patrick Richards
Teammate Award: Dan Rolling
Outstanding Freshman Competitor: Matt Byers
Most Inspirational Competitor: Jeffery Herron
Most Improved Competitor: Zeke Sayon
Outstanding Middle Distance Runner: Erik Sowinski
Outstanding Distance Runner: Jeff Thode
Outstanding Sprinter/Hurdler: Ray Varner
Outstanding Field Event: Ryan Lamparek
Keatinge/Cretzmeyer Award: Zach Schimp
Most Valuable Competitor: Steven Willey