Oct. 31, 2017

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference announced the individual award winners for Coach of the Year and Freshman of the Year for the 2017 women’s cross country season on Tuesday with Michigan’s Mike McGuire named Big Ten Coach of the Year and Michigan State’s Maggie Farrell tabbed Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

McGuire was named Big Ten Coach of the Year for the second time in as many years and the 11th time overall after guiding the Wolverines to their second-straight and 11th overall Big Ten title on Sunday. The Wolverines finished the conference championships with 55 team points, including two of the top-seven finishers at the IU Championship Cross Country Course in Bloomington, Ind.

Farrell claimed unanimous Big Ten Freshman of the Year accolades after placing thirteenth at the Big Ten Championships. She was the first conference freshman to cross the 6K finish line, registering a time of 20:44.5. The Battle Creek, Mich., native becomes the fourth Spartan to earn Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, and the first since Danette Doetzel in 2004.

The Big Ten also recognized 14 Sportsmanship Award honorees. The students chosen are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. These students must also be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting. The complete list of honorees can be found below.

The Big Ten Athlete of the Year will be announced the Tuesday following NCAA Championships. The Championships will be held in Louisville, Ky. on Nov. 18.

Freshman of the Year: MAGGIE FARRELL, Michigan State
Coach of the Year: Mike McGuire, Michigan