CLEVELAND, Ohio – After wrapping up the 2016-17 season last weekend, Cleveland State track and field head coach Madeleine Outman announced a handful of team awards earlier this week, including honors for Team MVP, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved and Coaches Award.
SAMANTHA BUTTERBAUGH | TEAM MVP
As a team captain, Butterbaugh was Cleveland State's top runner in the 800 Meter and 1500 Meter events, including a podium finish in the 1500 Meter Run at the Horizon League Outdoor Championship. Throughout the season Butterbaugh set multiple personal-best times, while also earning a spot on the Horizon League All-Academic Team and earning Cleveland State University Student Employee of the Year accolades.
Top Outdoor Times
800 | 2:26.24 (Bob Kahn Invite, 4/8/17)
1500 | 4:52.41 (Ashland Alumni Invite, 4/29/17)
5000 | 19:00.20 (Horizon League Championship, 5/7/17)
Top Indoor Times
800 | 2:28.42 (KSU Tune-Up, 2/20/17)
Mile | 5:14.27 (KSU Tune-Up, 2/20/17)
3000 | 10:22.08 (Horizon League Championship, 2/26/17)
Coach Outman on Sam
"Sam has progressed in leaps and bounds as an athlete over the course of the season, setting PRs at every distance. She was also an outstanding role model in the classroom and as a team leader, and we are so exited to see what her senior campaign will bring next year."
ALEXANDRIA DERKACS | ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Running in just her first year at the Division I level, Derkacs was Cleveland State's highest finisher at the Horizon League Outdoor Championship, earning Second Team All-League honors after placing second in the 400 Meter Hurdles. Derkacs was also part of Cleveland State's two relay teams that scored points at the Horizon League Outdoor Championship despite entering the meet unranked, while she was also part of the DMR team that placed fifth at the Horizon League Indoor Championship.
Top Outdoor Times
400H | 1:03.43 (Horizon League Championship, 5/7/17)
Top Indoor Times
60 | 8.61 (KSU Tune-Up, 2/20/17)
200 | 28.61 (KSU Tune-Up, 2/20/17)
400 | 1:01.82 (KSU Tune-Up, 2/20/17)
500 | 1:23.93 (YSU Invitational, 2/3/17)
Coach Outman on Alex
"After transferring to Cleveland State in January, Alex provided a spark to our relay teams that helped elevate her teammates to the next level. With her massive improvement in the 400m hurdles, she will be the top returner in that event in the Horizon League next year, and we are looking forward to watching her grow into her new role as a league contender."
JESSICA FINLEY | MOST IMPROVED
Throughout the season, Finley consistently improved at every distance, setting personal-best times from the 800 Meter Run to the 10000 Meter Run. At the final meet of the outdoor season – the Horizon League Championship – Finley bettered her previous 5K time twice within the 10K race, while also improving her time by over two minutes in the 5K event to break the 19-minute barrier.
Top Outdoor Times
1500 | 5:10.05 (All-Ohio Championship, 4/15/17)
5000 | 18:58.63 (Horizon League Championship, 5/7/17)
10000 | 39:36.70 (Horizon League Championship, 5/7/17)
Top Indoor Times
800 | 2:31.25 (Horizon League Championship, 2/25/17)
1000 | 3:22.68 (Kent State Tune-Up, 2/20/17)
Coach Outman on Jess
"Jess was an inspiration to her teammates this year and embodied the dedication and persistence that improvement track & field is all about. She was one of our toughest competitors every time she stepped on the line and her work ethic is second to none. Look out for a great cross country season from Jess next year!"
JESSICA WHITE | COACHES AWARD
Although White was unable to compete during the 2016-17 season due to NCAA transfer rules, she was still the team's top supporter, earning the coaches award for team spirit, dedication and positive attitude. Throughout the season White made trips to all of the indoor and outdoor meets to support her teammates and was one of the team's hardest workers in practice, working toward becoming a point contributor to the team next year.
Coach Outman on Jess
"There was not a day this year that Jess didn't give us everything she had out on the track. She still found the energy to support and encourage her teammates, whether that meant carrying hurdles, driving to meets to stand out in the rain and cheer, or taking time to meet with recruits. We cannot wait for Jess to put on the Viking jersey next year!"
