Concordia University Irvine runner Noah Plaza is a finalist for Male Collegiate Athlete of the Year at the prestigious OC Sports Awards, highlighting his achievements as the most decorated male distance runner in the school's NCAA DII history. The awards ceremony will take place on June 18th at Angels Stadium and honors the best in sports across Orange County. Plaza had a standout senior year, breaking multiple school records and earning accolades such as Concordia Male Athlete of the Year. He is up against UC Irvine's Kyle Evans and Vanguard's Erik Howlin for the honor. Plaza has also achieved significant milestones in cross country and track, notably becoming the first CUI men's cross country runner at the NCAA DII Championships.

By the Numbers
  • 60th place out of 250+ competitors at the NCAA DII Men's Cross Country Championships.
  • Four school records set, including the 3k race record, which stood for 13 years.
  • First Team All-PacWest honors earned in back-to-back seasons.
Yes, But

While Plaza's achievements are substantial, he faces stiff competition from accomplished athletes like Kyle Evans and Erik Howlin, who each have their distinct records and backgrounds in their respective sports, highlighting a competitive field for the award.

State of Play
  • The OC Sports Awards are a prominent event celebrating excellence among local athletes.
  • Plaza's recognition marks a notable moment for Concordia University Irvine, showcasing the caliber of its athletics program.
What's Next

The award winner will be revealed during the ceremony, setting the stage for potential increased visibility and recruitment opportunities for Concordia athletics depending on the outcome.

Bottom Line

Noah Plaza's achievements underscore his exceptional athleticism and dedication, which not only elevate his personal profile but also highlight the growing prominence of Concordia University Irvine in collegiate sports.