x
Breaking News
More () »

Air Force cross country and track star Mahala Norris wins Mountain West Athlete of the Year

Norris, a 2021 NCAA champion in the steeplechase, is only the second Academy athlete to ever win the prestigious award.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The accolades for Mahala Norris keep on rolling in. 

The Air Force cross country and track star was named the Mountain West Female Athlete of the Year for the 2020-21 season on Tuesday afternoon. Norris is just the second Falcon to ever earn the honor, joining fellow cross country and track standout Patrick Corona, who took home the award in 2015-16. 

Norris, who just graduated from the Academy, had a historic senior year. She won the NCAA title in the 3000-meter steeplechase and earned All-American honors in both indoor and outdoor track as well as cross country. She was also a finalist at U.S. Olympic Trials in the steeplechase. 

The Mountain West Athlete of the Year award is given annually to one male and one female student-athlete who have achieved athletic excellence during the past academic year over all 18 conference sports.

And in addition to this prestigious award, Norris is one of four finalists for the "Honda Award," which will be presented to the best NCAA female cross country runner later this summer. 

>> Video above: Thunderbirds fly over Air Force Academy Graduation 

RELATED: Thunderbirds fly over Air Force Academy graduation

RELATED: Air Force soccer wins WAC tournament

SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Sports

> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Denver Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.

MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS

Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER

Download the 9NEWS KUSA APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n

HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE

ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.

For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for KUSA "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.

Before You Leave, Check This Out