Men's Cross Country Nabs Five SEC Awards
11/3/2009 12:00:00 AM
Nov. 3, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Southeastern Conference released the 2009 cross country awards on Friday. The No. 6 Alabama cross country team landed four student-athletes on the All-SEC team and cross country coach Joe Walker earned his second straight Coach of the Year honor.
The Crimson Tide has now had 19 student-athletes earn All-SEC accolades in cross country since the 2005 season. This year's team includes two Alabama runners on the first team and two on the second team.
Moses Kiptoo and Tyson David were selected to the first team with their sixth and seventh place finishes, respectively. Fred Samoei and Julius Bor were named to the second team with their 12th and 14th place finishes, respectively.
"On the four guys that earned All-SEC, I was really proud of their effort," Walker said. "Without them, we couldn't have won as a team. We were hoping at least that many guys earned that but we had six guys capable."
Walker earned his third career SEC Men's Coach of the Year honor, second consecutive. Under Walker, the Crimson Tide has claimed consecutive SEC titles in 2008-09. Alabama men's cross country has won three SEC Championships in school history.
"Like I always say, it's a reflection of the type of team you have and how the team performed," Walker said. "Those guys get the job done and, in essence, that's what it's really all about."
"I'm obviously real proud for Coach Walker," head track and field coach Harvey Glance said. "We've got six real good guys that we've put scholarships into and they've really come to fruition. These awards show that all their hard work is paying off. We've got three newcomers that made All-SEC and that vows very, very bright for the future. This is what this program is all about - bringing honor and integrity to the University of Alabama."
Next up for Alabama is the NCAA South Region Championships. The Crimson Tide will host the event on Nov. 14 at Harry Pritchett Running Park in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
2009 SEC Men's Coach of the Year
Joe Walker, Alabama
2009 SEC Cross Country All-SEC Teams
Men's First Team
Barnabas Kirui, Jr. - Ole Miss
Dorian Ulrey, Jr. - Arkansas
Felix Kibioywo, Sr. - Auburn
Jean-Pierre Weerts, Sr. - Auburn
Ben Cheruiyot, Jr. - Auburn
Moses Kiptoo, So. - Alabama
Tyson David, Sr. - Alabama
Men's Second Team
Lane Boyer, Jr. - Arkansas
Solomon Haile, Fr. - Arkansas
Justin Taylor, Sr. - Florida
Michael Spooner, Jr. - Tennessee
Fred Samoei, Jr. - Alabama
Luis Orta, Fr. - Kentucky
Julius Bor, Jr. - Alabama
