MARION, Ind. – The Indiana Wesleyan University men’s cross country and track and field teams have had quite a successful 2018-19 to date. That success reflects in the current U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NAIA Program of the Year standings.

Indiana Wesleyan is first in the men’s standings with 9 points while St. Francis (Ill.) and St. Mary (Kan.) are tied for second with 13 points. Oklahoma City (Okla.) is fourth with 14 points and Dordt (Iowa) is fifth with 26.5 points.

The USTFCCCA Program of the Year Award honors the institution that has achieved the most success in an academic year -- spanning the cross country, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field seasons -- based on the institution’s finish at the NAIA National Championships.

In order to be eligible for the award, teams must qualify for each of the NAIA National Championships. Scoring is based on the team’s finish at each NAIA National Championship in cross country, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field (i.e. 1st = 1 point, 2nd = 2 points … 31st = 31 points) with the lowest total score for all three championships combined determining the award winner.

The Wildcats captured a runner-up finish at the cross country championship and seventh place at the indoor track and field championship. The last component for the award is the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championship that is set for May 23-25 in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

“Coach Foss and I talk often about how fun this year has been,” said IWU track and field head coach Caleb Snyder. “We’ve had our fair share of ups, downs, and injuries, but this group of men continues to amaze us. At this point in the year, it is nice to get this recognition, but we are fully aware that we need to finish Outdoor strong in order to accomplish the goal. We have a lot of work left to do.”

The outdoor season begin March 23 as Indiana Wesleyan hosts the annual Polar Bear Invitational on March 23.

Full USTFCCCA Men's Program of the Year Standings