Eyestone Named NCAA National Men's Coach of the Year

NEW ORLEANS – BYU men's cross country head coach Ed Eyestone was named the 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Cross Country National Coach of the Year Monday afternoon by the USTFCCCA.

Eyestone earned the Bill Dellinger Award in conjunction with the Coach of the Year honors for leading his men through an undefeated season and a national title. The Cougars claimed the 2024 NCAA Cross Country Championship team victory on Nov. 23 with 124 points. Four All American performances were also captured under Eyestone's coaching on the day, headlined by a sixth place finish by Casey Clinger.

"For 15 years Ed has been a mentor and a great friend to me," said assistant coach Ryan Waite. "I have seen him develop and grow as a coach during that time and feel honored to have a front row seat to him coach at the highest levels of our sport. He’s coaching at a higher level than I’ve ever seen him, and not just from a results standpoint but also from a process standpoint, how he coaches. He’s so deserving of this honor." 

 

 

🗣️ “It comes down to process, process, process – rather than product. If you can just enjoy the process and embrace the process then that takes a lot of the pressure off as well.”

All new episode of The CITIUS MAG Podcast with @BYUTFXC coach @EdEyestone fresh off winning the… pic.twitter.com/kC8QgDkdvA

— Chris Chavez (@ChrisChavez) November 26, 2024

Eyestone joins BYU women's cross country head coach Diljeet Taylor with the national recognition. Taylor was named the 2024 NCAA National Women's Coach of the Year and earned the Peter Tegen award. The BYU women's cross country program also took the national title in Madison, Wisconsin with 147 points. 

Below are quotes from the 2024 NCAA Men's Cross Country Championship team:

Casey Clinger

“I love Coach Eyestone. He is a perfect example of what a man should be. He is a world-class coach who pushes us to be the best. He is also a true friend. We have great memories out on the cross country course, but we also have amazing memories playing bocce ball and guitar together. He loves his athletes and they leave BYU better runners and better men. I’m blessed to have such an incredible mentor and enjoy such a genuine friendship.”

Creed Thompson

"Coach Eyestone really helped cultivate the brotherhood this season, resulting in a strong bond and trust between us."

Joey Nokes

"Not only is Coach Eyestone extremely wise with our training regimen, but he is always confident in us going into race and helps us stay mentally strong and positive in workouts and races "

Aidan Troutner

“Coach Eyestone has always done a good job of helping you feel confident in the training you put in, because you know what he prescribes actually works. He also makes sure each athlete has a say in how they feel and adapting to each person's needs.”

James Corrigan

"Coach Eyestone is historically one of the greatest coaches in the NCAA. He can take a superstar from high school and someone who slipped under the radar and make stars of them both and replicate that year after year. To be coached by him has been such a blessing and it has allowed me to flourish and test my limits.