Just days after topping the podium at the NCAA DII Cross Country National Championship, Alfred Chelanga added National Athlete of the Year honors to a growing list of accolades, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced Tuesday.

The national recognition comes on the heels of Chelanga being named Gulf South Conference Runner of the Year and receiving USTFCCCA South Region Athlete of the Year accolades.

En route to the honors, Chelanga seemingly turned up the gas when it mattered most as he tallied wins in each of the biggest races of the season. The first coming on October 24 when he turned in a new championship record as he crossed the line in 23:53.85 in the men's 8k at the GSC Championship. Two weeks later, on November 7, he turned in a first place finish at the NCAA DII South Regional, tallying a 10k time of 32:00.98, to earn a trip to Joplin, Mo. for the National Championship. And, finally, a time of 29:24.6 gave Chelanga the NCAA DII national title for the 10k race just days ago.

With the cross country season over, Chelanga will now turn his attention to the indoor track as he looks to repeat as a national qualifier in the 3k; which he finished in fourth place at last year's NCAA DII Indoor National Championship. Shorter opens the Indoor season December 4 at the Birmingham Southern Icebreaker at the Birmingham Crossplex.