NEW ORLEANS, La. --- Washburn men's track and field finished ninth place in the USTFCCCA Program of the Year awards announced by the organization on Tuesday afternoon. It is the first time in program history that the Ichabods have appeared in the final standings of the award.  

The USTFCCCA Program of the Year Award honors the institution that has achieved the most success in each academic year (spanning the cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field seasons) based on the institution's finish at their respective Championships. 

In order to be eligible for the award, teams must qualify for each of the Championships. Scoring is based on the team's finish at each 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. Ties among schools split points for positions taken. 

Beginning in the fall with cross country, Washburn finished in 24th place in the national tournament for 24 points. In the indoor season, the Ichabods finished in 16th place to add 16.5 POY points. The outdoor season concluded with an 18th place finish for 18.5 points giving Washburn 59 points total.  

Winning the USTFCCCA Program of the Year award is Pittsburg State with nine total points. Grand Valley State had 10 points and was second followed by West Texas A&M in third with 12. The Ichabods and Gorillas are the only representatives from the MIAA included in the 12-team standings.