INDIANAPOLIS- After a decisive vote from the league’s Sports Information Directors, Hillsdale’s Ben Haas was officially labeled Athlete of the Year for the 2024-25 academic year.
 
The Great Midwest Athlete of the Year is traditionally presented on an annual level to a nominee based on accomplishments and contributions to their specific sports and the institution’s overall athletic program.
 
Haas is the fifth track and field athlete to win the award since Trevor Bassitt in 2021-22 and just the third field athlete alongside Duke Taylor (2016-17) and Eldred Henry (2018-19).
 
During the 2024-25 year, Haas captured two national titles. At the indoor meet, he took home the gold in the weight throw, with a conference-best 22.89m. His mark of 22.89m is the fourth-farthest throw in NCAA DII history. Haas then went on to capture another national title in the hammer throw with a throw of 66.31m.
 
This past season, the Clarkston, MI native won three G-MAC titles in the weight throw, hammer throw, and shot put. He was also named the G-MAC Indoor and Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year.
 
At Hillsdale, Haas holds the school records in the weight throw, hammer throw, and indoor and outdoor shot put while recording the top marks in all four events throughout the 2024-25 season.
 
In just three season, Ben Haas has garnered five all-American honors as well as three straight G-MAC titles in the weight throw.