Pat Tyson and Wayne Phipps Named Pac-12 Cross Country Coaches of the Year

Pat Tyson and Wayne Phipps Named Pac-12 Cross Country Coaches of the Year

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Gonzaga and Washington State coaches earn Pac-12 honors

Gonzaga men’s cross country head coach Pat Tyson and Washington State women’s cross country head coach Wayne Phipps have been named the Pac-12 Cross Country Coaches of the Year, according to an announcement from the Pac-12 on Monday.

The honors recognize the leadership that guided their respective programs to conference titles and individual accolades during a standout season.

Tyson leads Gonzaga to men’s title

Pat Tyson steered the Gonzaga men to the conference championship on Oct. 30. His roster included several athletes who won league awards.

Dylan Rowell was named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, while Joshua Augustine received the Scholar Athlete of the Year distinction for the men’s side. The Zags’ depth was evidenced by three All-Conference first-team finishers and two second-team selections.

Phipps guides Cougars to women’s championship

On the women’s side, Wayne Phipps led the nationally ranked Washington State Cougars to a conference title at the Pac-12 cross country championships. The Cougars’ performance was highlighted by a dominant showing in the top tier of the standings.

Cross country coaches

Nelly Jemeli secured the individual championship with a time of 19:57.0, earning her the title of Pac-12 Runner of the Year. Washington State also placed two of the top three finishers in the race, supported by another second-team All-Conference member. Millie Bii was named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year for the Cougars.

Award Category Recipient Program
Men’s Coach of the Year Pat Tyson Gonzaga
Women’s Coach of the Year Wayne Phipps Washington State
Men’s Freshman of the Year Dylan Rowell Gonzaga
Women’s Freshman of the Year Millie Bii Washington State
Women’s Runner of the Year Nelly Jemeli Washington State
Men’s Scholar Athlete of the Year Joshua Augustine Gonzaga

The recognition comes as both programs solidified their standing within the conference through championship-winning performances and a high concentration of All-Conference talent.

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