NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Southeastern Conference named Vanderbilt's head coach Steve Keith the SEC cross country Coach of the Year today after his team's impressive finish at the conference meet this past weekend.

Keith, a Vanderbilt alum, is in his sixth year as head coach. Since he took over the program, the women's team has improved from an 8th place finish to winning their first-ever SEC title with a mere 30 points. This is his first time named SEC Coach of the Year, as well as the first time Vanderbilt has had a cross country coach presented the title.

"It's a nice honor, it's a nice honor for our staff, for our team," said Keith. "I joke about, wake me up on Thanksgiving and tell me it all really happened. It's a new level for the women and for the program and the team. I'm 100% a believer that these women can achieve whatever they set their minds to."

"He's already ecstatic," said assistant coach Rhonda Riley. "He's really proud of this team and to be named SEC Coach of the Year is one that I know he'll hold on to. When I first got here, we both saw potential in this team, and knew we could be a really strong contender in the SEC, if not on the national level. He knew that it was going to take time but he wanted to do it the right way and that's just year after year, and that's just getting recruits and having the kids believe."