University of Richmond senior Andrew Benford was recognized as this year's McCoy Award winner, an honor given yearly to the best male track and field athlete from West Virginia.
Benford said he was humbled by the award.
"It was a pretty big surprise," he said. "Awards like this are voted on by sportswriters and definitely aren't in the plan.
"It's a great honor, and I'm really proud to win this award. ... I'm proud of my roots in West Virginia. I'm proud to win an award that [former Spider] Ryan Jobes won. That made it even more special."
Benford got off to a strong start in 2009 by dominating the Atlantic 10 Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Charlotte, N.C. He won both the 5,000-meter run and 3,000-meter steeplechase. As a result, he was awarded A-10 Outstanding Track Performer of the Year.
Later in 2009, Benford traveled to Colorado Springs to train for mountain running competitions. He took advantage of the altitude and hills to prepare for international contests. While in Colorado, he won the USATF West Virginia 5K Championship.
In September, Benford flew to Madesimo, Italy for the IAAF World Mountain Running Championships. He was the youngest of six runners selected for Team USA. Despite his age, he finished first on the team, and 13th overall with a time of 58 minutes, 9 seconds in the 12.9-kilometer race. His 13th-place finish was the highest ever by an American in the WMRC.
Benford's international success earned him the McCoy award. Although he is immensely proud of this accomplishment, Benford said he still had many more goals he wanted to accomplish.
"I still have one more year here, but that's it," he said. "[My teammates and I] redshirted so we can come back next year and hopefully get to nationals in cross country and indoor and outdoor track. Individually, I want to come away with All-American honors as well."
After he leaves Richmond, Benford said he planned to continue his running career.
"I want to keep running on an international level," he said. "The ultimate goal is to be invited to the qualifiers for the Olympics. If you make the qualifiers, anything can happen"
Benford will accept his McCoy Award at the victory awards dinner this spring. With both the indoor and outdoor track seasons between now and then, he looks to add to his accomplishments, and prepare for his final season at Richmond next year.
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Contact reporter Matt McMaster at matt.mcmaster@richmond.edu
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