May 10, 2007

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - Winston-Salem State University head cross country and track and field coach Halcyon Blake has been named the recipient of the Clarence "Big House" Gaines Coach of the Year Award as announced by the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations.

The Gaines Coach of the Year Award is presented annually by the WSSU Department of Athletics following a department-wide polling of coaches, staff, and athletic administrators.

Blake recently completed her second season at the head of the WSSU cross country and track and field teams and is directly responsible for the tremendous success of the Rams and Lady Rams in 2006-07.

"It is such a pleasure and honor to be recognized not only by your peers, but also by a wonderful institution.  This is definitely a family atmosphere here at WSSU and there is no place to go, but up.  I am looking forward to working with our wonderful student-athletes and to make WSSU's track and cross Country teams a nationally recognized athletic program" Blake said on Thursday.

For additional information on WSSU track and field and WSSU cross country, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to the Official Website of WSSU Athletics at www.WSSURAMS.com.