Alabama Track and Field Sweeps USTFCCCA South Region Honors: Crimson Tide Shines with Two Prestigious Yearly Awards
The Alabama Crimson Tide has been making waves in the world of track and field, with major recognition from the USTFCCCA (United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association). On Wednesday, Alabama head coach Dan Waters and sophomore standout Doris Lemngole received two of the highest honors in the South Region for their outstanding performances during the 2024 cross country season.
Coach Dan Waters was named the USTFCCCA South Region Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, Alabama’s men’s and women’s cross country teams achieved remarkable success. Both squads earned top-20 finishes at the 2024 NCAA Cross Country Championships. Additionally, they dominated at the South Regional Championships, with both teams claiming first-place finishes. Waters also led the Tide to impressive results at the Southeastern Conference Championships, where the women’s team secured its second conference title in three years.
On the women’s side, Doris Lemngole continues to cement her legacy as one of Alabama’s brightest stars. Lemngole was named the USTFCCCA South Region Women’s Athlete of the Year following an extraordinary season that saw her win the 2024 NCAA Cross Country Individual National Championship on November 23. This victory was just the latest in a series of incredible accomplishments for the sophomore from Alabama.
Lemngole’s dominance this year didn’t stop at the national championship. Earlier in October, she earned the SEC’s 2024 Women’s Cross Country Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, an honor she shares with Alabama’s prestigious cross country history. She became the first Crimson Tide female to win this award since Mercy Chelangat in 2021. Lemngole is not only an athletic powerhouse but also a stellar student, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA and earning honors such as being named to the SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll and USTFCCCA All-Academic Team.
Lemngole’s success on the track has made her a four-time All-American and a dominant force in cross country. Her victory at the NCAA Championships, paired with her accolades, underscores her tremendous potential and dedication to excellence both in the classroom and on the course.
With these prestigious honors, Waters and Lemngole have put Alabama on the map as one of the top programs in the nation. The Crimson Tide’s continued success in both academics and athletics is a testament to the hard work and talent of the entire team. As Alabama track and field looks forward to the future, there’s no doubt that the Tide will continue to make a major impact on the national stage.
As the Crimson Tide keeps rolling, all eyes will be on Waters and Lemngole to see what’s next for Alabama’s championship-bound track and field program.
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