Mike Dager Named USTFCCCA Regional Coach of the Year

By Brian Laubscher
December 11, 2024

Mike Dager, head women's cross country coach and assistant women's track & field coach, was honored by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) as the NCAA Division III South Region Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year.

Dager earned the award after leading W&L to the best season in program history. The Generals won five races during the season, including first-place finishes in the ODAC championship and NCAA South Regional championship events. The ODAC title was the 20th in program history and the first since 2019. The regional championship was just the second overall and the first since 2019 as well.

The women's cross country team finished the season ranked eighth in the final Division III poll after placing eighth overall at the NCAA Division III Championship, the best finish in program history. Additionally, sophomore Olivia Warr earned All-America honors with a ninth-place individual finish, the highest placing ever by a W&L runner.

Dager, who completed his 11th season at W&L, has led the Blue & White to six ODAC Championships and two regional titles. He was previously honored with the 2019 USTFCCCA regional coach of the year award. In addition to his experience at W&L, Dager served as the head men's and women's cross country coach at Gwynedd Mercy University from 2009 to 2013.

Dager holds a Bachelor of Science in health and physical education from West Chester University and a Master of Science in classroom management from Wilkes University.

If you know a W&L faculty member who has done great, accolade-worthy things, tell us about them! Nominate them for an accolade.