In what was an historical season for both Dawson County and Banks County cross country, the head coaches for each were named the Georgia Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association boys coaches of the year for 2017.

While both Charles Beusse (Dawson) and Will Foster (Banks) were named boys coach of the year, their girls programs were also among the state’s best.

For Beusse (5th-year head coach), his Dawson teams were among the best in Class 3A, with the boys finishing as state runner-up and the girls 6th. The Tigers also won a region 7-AAA championship, while the Lady Tigers were second in the region meet.

Foster (3rd-year head coach) had the Banks County program as the top in the state, with the boys winning the state 2A championship and the girls finishing as runner-up. Both the Leopards and Lady Leopards also enjoyed a region title.