Walker Named South Region Coach of the Year
11/18/2009 12:00:00 AM
Nov. 18, 2009
NEW ORLEANS, La. - The University of Alabama men's cross country Joe Walker was recognized once again by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Wednesday morning as this season's men's Division I Cross Country Regional Coaches of the Year awards were released.
The award was named after longtime East Tennessee State head track and field/cross country coach. In his 45 years with the Buccaneers, Walker's squads have produced 30 Cross Country All-Americans. Since 1969, Walker's men's cross country teams have won 22 conference titles.
Walker, in his 10th season at Alabama, guided the Crimson Tide to their third-consecutive NCAA South Region title. Walker's teams now have won six region crowns since 2000. Walker also guided his team to a second-consecutive SEC title this season. This week in the USTFCCCA Rankings, the Tide rose three spots in the national poll and are now ranked third.
"It's an honor to receive the Coach of the Year award again," Walker said. I grew up around coaches and have a ton of respect for the group of guys that received the award along side of me. The award being named after a veteran coach in our region means a lot to me. Of course none of this would be possible without the guys competing well at the right time and having the support from Coach Glance in regards to fielding a competitive cross country team."
The NCAA Championships will take place this Monday and will be aired live on Versus. The Alabama men will toe the line at 11:08 a.m. (CST) in Terre Haute, Ind.
