YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University men's cross country team handed out its 2010 team awards at the annual cross country banquet on Oct. 30.
The banquet was held in the Convocation Center Atrium following the program's Mid-American Conference Championship victory and the team's recognition at half time during the EMU football game. The banquet also featured a DVD highlight presentation of the season in review, historical highlights, championship footage from that morning, as well as the presentation of team awards.
Sophomore
Terefe Ejigu (Mount Cook, Wellington-Wellington College, New Zealand) was named the Most Outstanding Runner for the Eagles. Ejigu has been dominant for the Green and White this season, boasting a MAC Individual Championship, helping his team to their 15th MAC title in program history. He has also paced the Eagles in every competition this season, including his first collegiate victory on Oct. 16 when he finished first at the Penn State National Invitational with a time of 25:23.
True freshman
Harry Dixon (Nelson, New Zealand-Nayland College) was named EMU's Most Outstanding Freshman, while
Austin Hendrix (Sylvania, Ohio-Northview) picked up Most Improved Runner honors. Senior captain
Matt Hammersmith (Wolcottville, Mich.-Prairie Heights) won the Coaches Award after a solid senior campaign.
The 99-year old
Kermit Ambrose, a long time supporter of EMU cross country, was honored with the Eastern Man Award. He was a former high school coach, camp director, clinician, and official. Retired Coach
Bob Parks presented the award to Mr. Ambrose.
2010 Men's Cross Country Team Awards
Most Outstanding Runner –
Terefe Ejigu
Most Outstanding Freshman –
Harry Dixon
Most Improved Runner –
Austin Hendrix
Coaches Award –
Matt Hammersmith
Eastern Man Award – Kermit Ambrose