NEW ORLEANS -- Pittsburg State University was named the Damon Martin NCAA Division II Men's Program of the Year by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association today (June 10).

The Gorillas, who finished runner-up for this honor last year, finished seventh in cross country and then won national titles in both indoor and outdoor track & field in 2024-25. Pitt State compiled a low score of nine points to edge second-place Grand Valley State University by one point (10). The Lakers placed fifth in cross country, second in indoor track and third in outdoor track. West Texas A&M University finished third overall with 12 points.

This is the first time in program history that Pittsburg State has earned the association's elite honor.

The Gorillas are led by fourth-year director of cross country and track & field Kyle Rutledge, associate head coach/meet director Brian Mantooth, assistant coaches Ben Barrows, Jesse Miller and Jason Crow and graduate assistants Chandler Barnett and Markus Trieber.