Moon earns second consecutive regional athlete of the year honor

NEW ORLEANS - Spencer Moon of the Simpson College men's track and field team was named the USTFCCCA Midwest Region Men's Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year, as announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Moon is earning his second straight regional athlete of the year award, after receiving the honor during the indoor season as well. Moon now has 16 career all-region honors in track and field and is vying for his fourth and fifth career All-American honors this week at the NCAA Championships.

"Spencer being named Midwest Region Athlete of the Year is a huge accomplishment," said Storm director of track and field and cross country Heath Moenck. "Our region boasts some of the top runners in the country and for Spencer to win the award twice is a credit to his historic season."

Moon is ranked first in the region in the 5,000 meters with a time of 13:51.63 and is second in the 10,000 meters in a time of 29:18.21. The Lake City, Iowa native holds the school and conference in both events and also ranks in the top five nationally. His 5,000 meter time ranks him fourth all-time in Division III history, while his 10,000 meter mark puts him in the top 20 all-time.

Moon only competed in the 10,000 meters at the conference championships earlier this month, comfortably winning the race. The senior capped off his conference career by winning his final eight races at the conference meet, holding the all-time conference record in a total of four events.

Moon is currently scheduled to race in the 10,000 meters tomorrow evening at the NCAA Championships. After having a day to rest, he will look to end his Simpson career with a bang in the 5,000 meters on Saturday evening.