For questions regarding MITCA Awards, contact your MITCA Public Relations Officer,
Steve Porter: porters@milanareaschools.org

MITCA honors a number of individuals each year at the annual Track & Field and Cross Country Banquets.

Below is a list of the Special Awards that nominations are accepted for:

Ambrose Award (Cross Country)

This award is in recognition of the recipient’s outstanding service to the sport of cross country, their school, the association, and the recipient’s community. It is given to someone who epitomizes the definition of “Coach”.  The “Ambrose Award” is the highest honor that MITCA bestows on a Cross Country coach.  Recipients are honored as part of the MITCA Hall of Fame.  Nomination Deadline: October 1.

Sweeney Award (Track & Field)

This award is in recognition of the recipient’s long and outstanding service to the sport of track and field, the association, and their community. It is given to someone who epitomizes the definition of “Coach”. The “Sweeney Award” is the highest honor that MITCA bestows on a Track & Field coach.  Receipients are honored as part of the MITCA Hall of Fame.
Nomination Deadline: December 1.

MITCA Hall of Fame Award

Ambrose & Sweeney award winners are enshrined in the MITCA Hall of Fame.  These honorees are recognized for coaching qualities that do not necessarily include longevity or team performance.  Additionally, coaches may be inducted in the MITCA Hall of Fame by applying or being nominated based on their career coaching achievements.  Beginning in 2005, MITCA has inducted up to four people each year into the Hall of Fame.  Selection is based primarily on a points-system.  Nominated coaches must be a MITCA member.  See Nomination Form for eligibility requirements and application guidelines.
Nomination Deadline: September 1.

 Averill-Grant Award

Established in 1990, this award is given to noncoaching person(s) for ongoing “behind the scenes” devotion and selfless contribution of time and effort on behalf of XC and T&F. The award is named to honor Alice Averill and Nancy Grant whose support of their husbands’ (Lee Averill, Jack Grant) programs through scoring, announcing and summer camps.
Nomination Deadlines: October 1 (XC);  December 1 (T&F).

High School Assistant Coach of the Year Award

Given to the assistant coach who has worked at least five years; is a MITCA member; and has been nominated by their head coach with support of the athletic director, an opposing coach or parent. It is possible to receive this award once every five years.
Nomination Deadlines: October 1 (XC);  December 1 (T&F).

Middle School Coach of the Year Award

Given to a middle school head or assistant coach who has worked at least five years; is a MITCA member; and has been nominated by his/her head/assistant coach, with the support of the athletic director, principal, an opposing coach or parent. It is possible to receive this award once every five years. Indicate if nominee is Head or Assistant Coach.
Nomination Deadlines: October 1 (XC);  December 1 (T&F).

Finish Line Award

To recognize ongoing contributions, support and assistance on behalf of XC and T&F, this award honors individual person(s) and their respective media employer(s) including radio, TV, magazines and newspapers.  Nomination Deadlines: October 1 (XC);  January 1 (T&F).

Patsy Arpino Memorial Scholarship

MITCA awards two $500 scholarships annually to children of MITCA members attending a full-time college, university or trade school. Winners are randomly drawn from all eligible applicants.  See Application Form for eligibility rules and application guidelines. Scholarships are awarded at the MITCA Track & Field Clinic.
Nomination Deadline: October 30.