For the second time in his career, Lucky Huber of The University of South Dakota has been named the national Women's Outdoor Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCA).

Huber, who is in his 14th season at USD, was honored by the USTFCCA at an awards banquet on Wednesday night. He was also the USTFCCA's national coach of the year in 2004.

"This is a huge honor," said Huber, who was one of eight regional coaching honorees recognized earlier this week by the USTFCCA. "I want to thank my wife (Stacy), children and all my family for all their support. Honors like this one would not be possible without their encouragement. In addition, this award is a tribute to my fellow coaches. I have tremendous respect for Coach (Dave) Gottsleben, (Rob) Kinnunen and all the members of the staff."

Earlier this month, Huber was named the North Central Conference Women's Outdoor Coach of the Year for the sixth time (1997, 1998, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008). Huber, who was the 2008 NCC Indoor Coach of the Year, has a combined 12 NCC Coach of the Year honors (six outdoor, six indoor).

"When I reflect on the significance of this award, I have to appreciate the dedication and hard work by the current and past student-athletes who have been responsible for the success of this program," said Huber.

Huber directed USD to a fifth consecutive NCC women's outdoor title on May 10. At the league championship in Sioux Falls, the Coyotes won 12 of 22 events as they rolled up an NCC record 255 points, surpassing North Dakota State's mark of 239.33 in 2002. Huber has coached 13 USD women's teams that won either indoor or outdoor NCC Championships.

In 1998 Huber directed the Coyotes to a second-place team finish at the NCAA Indoor Championship, which is the highest finish by an indoor or outdoor squad in USD track and field history. Also in 1998, he coached his team to a fifth-place team finish at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championship. He led USD to a sixth-place finish at the 2008 NCAA Division II Indoor Nationals.

--courtesy USD Sports Information