Rutledge, in his 19th season guiding the Lions, led Southern to its third straight MIAA championship, and seventh in eight seasons.

The Lions had three runners in the top 10, led by the winner in junior Dustin Dixon and senior Dustin Miller, who was the runner-up. MSSU posted an 18-point win over second-place Southwest Baptist.

This is Rutledge's sixth MIAA Coach of the Year award -- fourth in men's cross country. He's also won one in men's indoor and outdoor track and field.

"Being elected Coach of the Year is always an Honor," Rutledge said. "Coming from the great coaches we have in the MIAA, it says a lot. It is also specially attributed to the great young men that make it happen."

Vavra, in her 14th season as the Lions' head coach, led Southern to a successful defense of its conference championship -- the third in school history.

The Lions had all five scoring runners in the top 20 -- with four earning All-MIAA honors by placing in the top 10 -- and scored 43 points. They won the title by 32 points over Pittsburg State.

This is the fourth MIAA Coach of the Year award for Vavra -- she won the honor for women's cross country in 1998 and 2006, and for women's indoor track & field in 2004.

"Being named MIAA coach of the year is always a direct reflection of the accomplishments of your team," Vavra said. "This year's team has worked very hard and enjoyed much success. I thank them for this honor."

Southern will be the host of the NCAA Division II South Central Regional this Saturday. The women are the No. 1 seed, while the men are the second seed.