Ealy Named Big Ten Freshman of the Year – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/4/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
Nov. 4, 2004
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Big Ten Conference announced John Ealy as the 2004 Big Ten Freshman of the Year after he finished 15th at the 2004 Big Ten Championships in Iowa City, Iowa, in a time of 24:40.
“In what has to be considered the toughest conference in the country and in such a tight team battle John really had a fantastic run,” Robert Gary, head men’s cross country coach said. “It bodes well for the future with regards to some of our guys we are red-shirting, but more immediately, proves to our guys that we can qualify for the NCAA championships in 10 days.”
Ealy, a native of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, is just the second Buckeye to earn Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, as Eric Nelson split the inaugural honor with Michigan’s State’s Anthony Hamm in 1987. Ealy edged Iowa’s Eric MacTaggart as the top freshman to cross the finish line. MacTaggart finished 16th overall in the same time of 24:40.
“I have long thought that if we could always get the best Ohio kids, we could content for the Big Ten title and be a consistent Top 10 team at the national meet,” Gary said.
In addition to Ealy’s freshman of the year accolade, the Big Ten also announced Wednesday, Brian Olinger and Melanie Price as the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award representatives for Ohio State. The Big Ten Sportsmanship Award is given to one member on each Big Ten men’s and women’s team, who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
The Ohio State men’s and women’s cross country teams return to action Nov. 13 in Ypsilanti, Mich. to compete in the 2004 NCAA Regional Championships.
