Blake Named NEC Men's And Women's Cross Country Coach Of The Year

Central Connecticut State cross-country head coach Eric Blake was honored twice on Thursday by his peers within the Northeast Conference, being named the 2024 NEC Coach of the Year for both men's and women's cross country.  The dual recognition gives Blake 15 cross country Coach of the Year awards during his tenure.

Along with Blake, the Blue Devils cross country staff is comprised of Nicole Dumpson-Jackson, Tyler Raymond, Katie Stevens and Alex Norstrom.

Blake has won the men's award a record 10 times since its inception in 1994. He has taken home the honor in three of the past four seasons. On the women's side, Blake earns his fifth coach of the year accolade. He was honored four straight years from 2018-21.

The Blue Devils captured both the men's and women's cross-country championships this fall. It is the second consecutive crown for the men's squad and extended its dominance to 12 titles, the most in the 39 championships hosted by the conference. Since 2009 the men, all under Blake's tutelage have won more championships (12) then the remainder of the conference (four) combined. The women's team has won five times since 2018, including the four straight championships from 2018-21.

In addition to the NEC Championships, both programs had stellar seasons. Brooke Morabito became the first Blue Devil to earn an at-large berth to the NCAA Championships, where she finished 70^th overall. She is the third NEC woman to make the championship and only the second Blue Devil. She also became the first woman, and second-ever Blue Devil to earn All-Region from the USTFCCCA, after placing eighth at the NCAA Northeast Regional.

The men's team captured the New England Championships, eclipsing the runner-up by 37 points. It is the Blue Devils second New England crown, having won the title in 2013.