San Bernardino Valley College men’s cross country coach Jim Ratigan was selected as the state’s top cross country coach by the California Community College Cross Country and Track and Field Coaches Association.

Ratigan, who has led SBVC to a conference championship in each of his five years of leading the Wolverines, received the award at the association’s meeting in August. According to the association, Ratigan was chosen due to his positive contributions to the sport and coaches association, his ethical behavior and outstanding sportsmanship, and the quality of the cross country program at SBVC this year.

“Thank you to my fellow coaches for this great honor,” Ratigan said. “This award means a lot to me as a coach and educator. To put in the work not only as a coach, but more importantly as educator and a role model for my athletes and have this recognition is incredible.”

Ratigan is beginning his 11th year as a coach at SBVC, previously serving as an assistant coach. The Wolverines have won 22 consecutive conference titles, and finished fourth in the state last year in cross country. In earning this award, Ratigan credits the help he has gotten over the years.

The Wolverines will open their season September 1 by running at the Redlands Invitational, then will host two meets this season. The Pacific Coast Athletic Conference preview race will be September 22, followed by the PCAC Championships on October 20. Both events will be run at Cal State San Bernardino beginning at 10 a.m.

Good luck this season, Wolverines!