The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCA) announced the Region Athletics and Coaches of the Year for the 2011 indoor season. Patrick Casey was named the Mountain Region Men's Athlete of the Year.

Casey is coming off his most successful season yet as he became the first person to run a sub-four minute mile in the state of Montana. The Laurel, Mont. native clocked in at 3:59.76. After an altitude adjustment, his time stands at 3:54.59, which currently ranks him first in the NCAA.

He is ranked second in the 800 with an altitude adjusted time of 1:47.08 (1:47.67, unadjusted). Both his times in the Mile and the 800 set new MSU records.

Casey also anchored the Big Sky Championship Distance Medley Relay.

“This is a huge honor for Patrick,” said head coach Dale Kennedy. “To receive this honor, out of hundreds of athletes, shows how talented he is.”

Pat Casey will take his Mountain Region Track Athlete of the Year title to College Station, Texas on Wednesday, to compete in the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. The two-day meet begins on March 11 and will conclude the following day. 

Complete Release from USTFCCCA