(Story courtesy of Colorado College)

NEW ORLEANS, La. - Jackson Brainerd, who won last Saturday’s NCAA West Regional and helped Colorado College earn an at-large spot at the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championship, was named West Region Runner of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCA).

Brainerd defended his individual title and became Colorado College’s first two-time regional champion when he covered the 8K course at Bush's Pasture Park in a time of 25:23.17. He finished 6.93 seconds ahead of Willamette’s Stefan Redfield to tie former CC All-American Scott Kang’s mark of six individual titles in a single season.
 
Brainerd also repeated as Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Runner of the Year after winning his second consecutive conference title on Oct. 30. He finished 10.8 seconds ahead of Centre’s Clinton Hall to claim CC’s third individual championship. His time was fifth fastest in SCAC history and the best ever by a Colorado College runner, 26.3 quicker than Alex Nichols’ winning time in 2007.
 
The Tigers also defended their team title at the conference championship.
 
“We’re all very proud of what Jackson achieved this season,” head coach Ted Castaneda said. “Not only has he accomplished a lot individually, he’s done a lot for the team.”
 
Colorado College makes its fifth team appearance at the Division III Championship and competes in back-to-back seasons for the first time when the Tigers run on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Wartburg College’s Max Championship Cross Country Course in Waverly, Iowa.