Jerry Baltes of Grand Valley State was named the National Women's Coach of the Year for the 2020 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field season by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

This is the 16^th national honor for Baltes in his legendary career. This is his sixth indoor honor – first since 2012 – to go along with seven in cross country and three more outdoors.

Baltes, who just finished his 21^st year at Grand Valley State, led his team to a dominant performance throughout the season that was capped at the GLIAC Indoor Championships. The Lakers earned 22 top-8 finishes at the meet, including top-3 sweeps in 3000, 5000 and pole vault, as well as titles in six other events.

GVSU entered the NCAA Indoor Championships with 22 entries – the most of any team, regardless of gender – which doubled the next closest women's team. The Lakers were stocked with talent in the distances (seven entries), jumps (five entries) and throws (four entries), among others.

Here are the ���������������� �������������� ���� ������ �������� for the 2020 @NCAADII Indoor Track & Field season! #MakeItYours

M - Bryan Schiding, @MoSoXCTF
W - Jerry Baltes, @GVSU_XC_TF

�� LEARN MORE ��

�� https://t.co/rI7i0KXyBR pic.twitter.com/Bpf9w79RXq

— USTFCCCA (@USTFCCCA) March 27, 2020

Congratulations to Coach Jerry Baltes for earning the @USTFCCCA National Women's Coach of the Year honor! ��

Full story: https://t.co/rfopF6FBu8#AnchorUp pic.twitter.com/EyhOL4o96u

— GVSU Track and Field (@GVSU_XC_TF) March 27, 2020