EUGENE, Ore. — Rapid City Stevens High School graduate Simeon Birnbaum was named the Big Ten men’s freshman of the year. 

The Oregon Duck was fourth in the men's 8K at the Big Ten meet and the first freshman across the line. He earned all-conference first-team honors and all-freshman status. 

Earlier this season, he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for his efforts at the Cowboy Jamboree (Sept. 28). Birnbaum has finished among the Ducks' top three in his three appearances this year.

The Oregon men placed three inside the top three at the Big Ten Championships and finished third overall.

Birnbaum will compete at the NCAA West Region Championships on Nov. 15 in Colfax, Washington. The top-two teams at the regional meet earn an automatic spot at the NCAA Championships. The at-large qualifiers will be announced when the entire national field is announced at a later date.