NEW ORLEANS—UMass Lowell Track & Field Head Coach Gary Gardner has been named the 2023 USTFCCCA Northeast Region Men's Indoor Track & Field Head Coach of the Year, as announced by the organization this week. 
 
In his 23rd year at the helm, Gardner helped the River Hawk men's team capture its second consecutive America East Indoor Track & Field title. With 185 points, UMass Lowell claimed the crown at the 2023 conference championships, 54-points ahead of the second-place team. 
 
Gardner's distance athletes accounted for 98 of the 185 points, with eight men scoring in more than one event. Five River Hawks logged sub-4:10 minute miles, and eight went sub-8:25 in the 3,000-meter. Gardner and his staff were also named the 2023 America East Coaching Staff of the Year for the second straight year, sweeping the award on the men's and women's sides. 
 
The River Hawks open the outdoor campaign next weekend at the Raleigh Relays and the UMass Lowell Invitational.