Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers track and field
American college track and field team
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The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers track and field team is the track and field program that represents Western Kentucky University. The Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Conference USA. The team is based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, at the Charles M. Ruter Track and Field Complex.[1]
| Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers track and field | |
|---|---|
| |
| University | Western Kentucky University |
| Head coach | Lee Wood |
| Conference | C-USA |
| Location | Bowling Green, Kentucky |
| Outdoor track | Charles M. Ruter Track and Field Complex |
| Nickname | Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers |
The program is coached by Lee Wood.[2] The track and field program officially encompasses four teams because the NCAA considers men's and women's indoor track and field and outdoor track and field as separate sports.[3]
Runner Nick Rose is the only two-time NCAA champion for the program. He won the 3000 meters at the 1975 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships and 1976 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships.[4] The men's team was nationally ranked and won its 12th straight conference title in 1975.[5]
Postseason
AIAW
The Lady Toppers have had five AIAW All-Americans finishing in the top six at the AIAW indoor or outdoor championships.[6]
| AIAW All-Americans | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Championships | Name | Event | Place |
| 1978 Indoor | Gayle Harris Watkins | 60 yards hurdles | 5th |
| 1978 Indoor | Angie Bradley | Long jump | 4th |
| 1979 Indoor | Gayle Harris Watkins | 60 yards hurdles | 2nd |
| 1979 Indoor | Gayle Harris Watkins | Long jump | 2nd |
| 1979 Outdoor | Anita Jones | 400 meters hurdles | 6th |
| 1980 Indoor | Angie Bradley | Long jump | 5th |
| 1981 Outdoor | Victoria Bowman | Discus throw | 6th |
| 1981 Outdoor | Lorri Kokkola | Javelin throw | 6th |
NCAA
As of August 2025[update], a total of 29 men and 6 women have achieved individual first-team All-American status for the team at the Division I men's outdoor, women's outdoor, men's indoor, or women's indoor national championships (using the modern criteria of top-8 placing regardless of athlete nationality).[7][8]