HUDSONVILLE, Mich. – Head Coach Josh Fletcher of the Trine University Track & Field programs was named the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Men's Track & Field Coach of the Year on Wednesday. This prestigious accolade is a vote from conference coaches based on the achievements of their colleagues both during regular and post-season competition.
The Thunder men won their fifth consecutive MIAA indoor championship in 2023-24 and their eighth straight title overall when you add in a three-peat on the outdoor side. The Trine men had three First Team All-MIAA performers in Jake Gladieux, Ethan Spahr and Kimball Hughes as well as a national qualifier in Gladieux and the MIAA Field Athlete of the Year in Spahr.
"Trine University has a great coach staff and upperclassman leadership," commented Fletcher. "Without this, our success this season would not have been possible. I want to congratulate Jake Gladieux on his 60-meter hurdle title, Kimball Hughes on his title in the weight throw and Ethan Spahr on his triple jump championship. Our team this year was very balanced, scoring points in all 16 events."
Fletcher will look to secure his first indoor national champion as a coach when Gladieux competes at the NCAA DIII Indoor National Championships on March 8-9.