Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Track and Field	Women's SIUE Track and Field SIUE Athletics

Ben Beyers

May 21, 2008 Beyers Named National Assistant Coach of the Year         EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville assistant track and field coach Ben Beyers has been selected by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCA) as the national and Great Lakes Region Women's Assistant Coach of the Year.         The award comes on the heels of a season that saw the SIUE track team dominate the Great Lakes Valley Conference indoor and outdoor season. SIUE placed fifth at the national championships during the outdoor season.         Under the guidance of head coach David Astrauskas, the Cougars captured the GLVC title, outpacing the second place team by 185 points. It was SIUE's fourth consecutive outdoor title. Eleven Cougars earned first team All-GLVC awards and three more earning second team All-GLVC awards.         Heading into nationals, Beyers has eight sprinters and hurdlers competing for All-American awards.         The NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships will take place at Hillmer Lodge Stadium at Mount San Antonio College on May 22-24.         -siue cougars-