McClintock named Big Ten Freshman of the Year

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Matthew McClintock was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, the conference office announced on Tuesday. McClintock is the first Purdue male to pick up the honor.

"Matt has shown tremendous poise beyond his years all season long," assistant coach Dave Hartman said. "He continued to do so at the Big Ten Championships even though that’s a much bigger stage. I am very proud of his accomplishments, he is very deserving. He has been very consistent which is not a typical trait for freshman and I think that is the difference between a good freshman and the Freshman of the Year."

McClintock earns the award just two days after placing eighth at the Big Ten Championships in East Lansing, Mich. McClintock was the top placing freshman and was the only rookie to finish in the top 15. The Athens, Maine, native was the top finisher for Purdue in every race this season. He was the top finisher overall twice including in his first career race, the Valparaiso Crusader Invitational.

The first year Boilermaker was named Big Ten Athlete of the Week two times. He is one of just two Purdue freshmen to ever earn the honor. McClintock had never run an 8,000-meter race prior to his first collegiate season. This year, he ran the distance three times and got better every week. At the Big Ten Championships, McClintock ran a personal best time of 24:04.

McClintock was also named Second Team All-Big Ten for his efforts at the Big Ten Championships. The first year Boilermaker also picked up the Sportsmanship Award for Purdue.

Indiana’s Zach Mathew picked up the Athlete of the Year for the conference after winning the Big Ten Championship. Mick Byrne of Wisconsin was named the Coach of the Year on the men’s side.

Kelly McCurdy was named the Purdue women’s Sportsmanship Award winner. The senior was the top finisher for Purdue and finished 39th at the Big Ten Championships.