Helmer, trio of Hoosiers win annual award

IU track and field athletes will already have a head start at national recognition when they attempt to hoist up national championship trophies Friday at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

The IU track and field program was honored Monday with three Hoosier athletes receiving Great Lakes Athlete of the Year awards from the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. IU coach Ron Helmer was awarded Great Lakes Coach of the Year.

“I appreciate the honor because it’s recognition of what our staff and kids have done this season,” Helmer said. “This honor was more of a reflection of what our kids were supposed to do and the athletes just arose to the occasion.”

In the Great Lakes region, sophomore distance runner Andy Bayer was named Track Athlete of the Year and multi-event junior Derek Drouin won Field Athlete of the Year. Senior Faith Sherrill was named women’s Great Lakes Field Athlete of the Year.

Bayer said he credits coach Helmer and the rest of his team with his success this season.

“It feels good to be honored, but I attribute the honor to my teammates and to coach Helmer,” Bayer said. “Coach Helmer did a wonderful job in preparing me for this season.”