Woody, Austin Earn USTFCCCA Regional Awards

June 3, 2013

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa track and field sprinter Justin Austin, and UI assistant track and field coach Joey Woody have been named regional award winners by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. The USTFCCCA today announced the award winners for the 2013 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field season.

Austin was named Midwest Region Track Athlete of the Year, and Woody was named Midwest Region Assistant Coach of the Year.

“A well-deserved recognition for both Coach Woody and Justin,” said UI head coach Layne Anderson. “Both are enjoying a tremendous season, and to be recognized by the USTFCCCA for their work and performance this spring validates their efforts. Both are eager to cap it with a championship level performance this weekend in Eugene.”

Austin, a senior from Milwaukee, Wis., is just the second student-athlete in program history to earn the regional honor. Kineke Alexander previously earned the award in 2007. The assistant coaching honor is the third for Woody. He also earned the award following the indoor and outdoor seasons in 2011.

Joey Woody

Austin won conference titles in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400-meter relay at the Big Ten Championships, and qualified for the NCAA Championships in all three events following his performance at the NCAA West Regional.

In his seventh season coaching Iowa’s sprints, hurdles, and relays, Woody’s student-athletes accounted for 53 points and four Big Ten titles at the 2013 conference championships. Eight of his student-athletes qualified for the NCAA West Regional, and under his guidance, the Hawkeyes advanced to the NCAA finals in six events.

Woody and Austin compete at the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Ore., this week beginning Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. (CT).