Warrensburg, Mo. (Nov. 17, 2000) -- Central Missouri State University cross country coach Kirk Pedersen has been named South Central Region Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year by the United States Track Coaches Association.

Pedersen, who coaches both the men's team and women's team, coached the Jennies to their first-ever regional title Nov. 4 at the South Central Regional in Commerce, Texas. The men placed fourth in the regional and both teams are competing in the NCAA Division II Championships Saturday in Chino, Calif.

The Jennies are making their second team appearance in the Division II Championships, while the men are making their sixth straight appearance and have finished in the top ten four of the last five years.

Pedersen will now be on the ballot for NCAA Division II Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year, with the voting taking place at this weekend's Division II Championships.

Last fall Pedersen was the Great Lakes Region Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year and last spring he and co-head track and field coach Kip Janvrin were named Great Lakes Region Men's Indoor Track and Field Coaches of the Year. CMSU switched from the Great Lakes Region to the South Central Region this year.