University of Minnesota Athletics
Hassan Mead Named Big Ten CC Athlete of the Year
11/6/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
Minnesota sophomore Hassan Mead was named the Big Ten Conference Men’s Cross Country Athlete of the Year, announced today by the Conference officials. The conference postseason honor is determined by a vote of the Big Ten cross country coaches.
Mead concluded the Big Ten season last weekend by capturing the individual title at the Big Ten Championships held at Michigan. Mead covered the 8-kilomter course in a time of 24 minutes, 26.4 seconds, winning the crown by over nine seconds. The Minneapolis South High School graduate also picked up two Big Ten Runner of the Week accolades during the 2008 season.
Mead is the fifth Gopher to win the Big Ten title and the second in three years as teammate Rombough captured Big Ten medalist honors in 2006. Rombough was Minnesota’s first Big Ten Cross Country Athlete of the Year in 2006.
The Gophers had three champions prior to the Big Ten awarding Athlete of the Year honors. Gary Bjorklund was a three-time champion in 1969, 1970 and 1971. Other Minnesota champions were Fred Watson (1913-15) and Leonard Edelen in 1957.
Wisconsin’s Mick Byrne was honored as the 2008 Big Ten Coach of the Year, while Penn State rookie Kyle Dawson earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year accord.
The conference office also announced the honorees from each of the 10 men’s cross country squads for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. The student-athletes chosen are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. In addition, the student-athletes must be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.
The Minnesota recipient was senior Ben Puhl.
Mead concluded the Big Ten season last weekend by capturing the individual title at the Big Ten Championships held at Michigan. Mead covered the 8-kilomter course in a time of 24 minutes, 26.4 seconds, winning the crown by over nine seconds. The Minneapolis South High School graduate also picked up two Big Ten Runner of the Week accolades during the 2008 season.
Mead is the fifth Gopher to win the Big Ten title and the second in three years as teammate Rombough captured Big Ten medalist honors in 2006. Rombough was Minnesota’s first Big Ten Cross Country Athlete of the Year in 2006.
The Gophers had three champions prior to the Big Ten awarding Athlete of the Year honors. Gary Bjorklund was a three-time champion in 1969, 1970 and 1971. Other Minnesota champions were Fred Watson (1913-15) and Leonard Edelen in 1957.
Wisconsin’s Mick Byrne was honored as the 2008 Big Ten Coach of the Year, while Penn State rookie Kyle Dawson earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year accord.
The conference office also announced the honorees from each of the 10 men’s cross country squads for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. The student-athletes chosen are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. In addition, the student-athletes must be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.
The Minnesota recipient was senior Ben Puhl.
Players Mentioned
DISTANCE
/ Men's Cross Country
DISTANCE
/ Men's Cross CountryCinematic Recap: 2025 Griak Invitational
Monday, September 29
Cinematic Recap: 2024 NCAA Regional
Sunday, November 17
Oz Memorial Highlights
Sunday, September 01
Big Ten Championship Highlights
Tuesday, November 07