Former IU high jumper Derek Drouin was named National Field Athlete of the Year Wednesday by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
It is the third time Drouin has won the award during his career, but it is the first time he has won it for his outdoor performance.
He previously won the award during the 2011 and 2012 indoor season.
Drouin is only the second athlete to sweep the honor for an entire year.
The award comes after Drouin captured his NCAA record fifth high jump title Friday night in Eugue, Ore., at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
“Derek is a very talented athlete,” IU Coach Ron Helmer said in a press release. “But the trait that makes him elite is his consistency. To win five NCAA titles in the vertical jumps is unheard of, and to do that at the level that Derek has is even more impressive.
“Adding a third National Field Athlete of the Year award to his resume just further demonstrates the level to which we’ve been fortunate to have Derek representing Indiana University for the past five years. Athletes of this caliber don’t come along every day.”
Only one other athlete, Olympic Gold medalist Ashton Eaton, won the award more than Drouin with four Field Athlete of the Year honors.
— Robby Howard
Drouin named National Field Athlete of the Year
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