Friday, June 8, 2018
by Western Oregon Athletic Communications

PORTLAND, Ore. - After closing out his career as a four-time NCAA DII national champion, Western Oregon senior David Ribich was announced as a finalist for the Oregon Sports Awards Ad Rutschman Small College Athlete of the Year on Friday (June 8).
 
Ribich is one of three finalists for the award with the ceremony taking place Wednesday, June 20 at the Tiger Woods Center at Nike World Headquarters. Finalists were nominated and selected through a statewide voting panel consisting of TV, radio and sports journalists, and sports professionals. NBC Sports Northwest will air a live broadcast of the show, covering the red carpet, pre and post events as well. To purchase tickets, visit www.OregonSportsAwards.com.

Joining Ribich as finalists for the award is Caleb Dalzell of George Fox (football & track and field) and Tanner Trosin of Southern Oregon (football).

A four-time national champion, Ribich established three all-time NCAA Division II records on the track this season. In addition to breaking 4-minutes (3:58.88) in the mile and successfully defending the national title in the distance medley relay, Ribich rewrote the all-time NCAA Division II records in the 1,000 (2:21.38) and the 3,000 (7:50.81) during the indoor season. 
 
In the outdoor campaign, Ribich shattered the all-time NCAA Division II record in the 1,500 with a 3:37.35 and went on to repeat his national title in the event at the outdoor championships. Ribich swept the USTFCCCA All-Region honors by being named the West Region Athlete of the Year in Cross Country, Indoor Track and Outdoor Track.

This season, Ribich was the GNAC champion in cross country, the 800-meter and mile champion indoors and the 800-meter and 1,500-meter champion outdoors. He was named the GNAC Men's Athlete of the Year in all three sports and was Track Athlete of the Meet at both the GNAC indoor and outdoor championships.