Helmer named Big Ten Cross Country Coach of the Year

Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams are ranked in the top 25 for the first time since 2010, and the No. 24 men’s team won its first Big Ten Title in 33 years.

IU Coach Ron Helmer’s efforts aren’t going unnoticed as the conference coaches voted him Big Ten Coach of the Year on Wednesday.

This is Helmer’s first time winning the award for cross country in his seven years coaching cross country at IU.

Two of his runners were recognized by the conference as well. Freshmen Jason Crist and Chanli Mundy were awarded the Big Ten sportsmanship award.
 
Both runners competed in the Big Ten Championships last weekend. Crist was the first Hoosier to finish, crossing the line in fifth place. Mundy was the sixth Hoosier to finish the six-kilometer race for IU.

During last year’s indoor track season, Helmer also earned the Big Ten Coach of the Year Award.

— Frank Bonner