FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2009

Southern's Vavra named Women's Track and Field Coach of the Year

Kansas City, Mo. -- Missouri Southern women's track and field and cross country coach Patty Vavra has been named the 2009 MIAA Women's Outdoor Track and Field Coach of the Year.

Vavra, who led the Lions to their second-straight outdoor title, earns her eighth MIAA Coach of the Year award, winning four in cross country and two in indoor track and field.

The Lions had three event champions, including junior Kimi Shank winning both the 5,000- and 10,000-meter races and junior Emilie Mieseler in the hammer throw. Southern had multiple athletes score in seven events -- including three events with three athletes earning points.

"It is an honor to be recognized by fellow coaches in the MIAA," Vavra said. "The credit goes to our athletes and the success they have attained this season. I also have to credit my outstanding staff of assistant coaches in Jamie Burnham, Jamie Tallman and Russell Ellis."

The Lions have qualified six athletes for the 2009 NCAA Division II Outdoor National Championships to be held on May 21-23 at Angelo State University in San Angelo.