Carroll’s Decker Named Frontier Conference Men’s Cross Country Grit Award Recipient

On Monday, Nov. 9, we recognize Carroll College senior Luke Decker as our 2026 Frontier Conference Men’s Cross Country Award recipient. The award is presented by the Montana Army National Guard.

Decker, a civil engineering major from Spokane, Wash., faced a significant challenge during the summer when a lower leg stress reaction disrupted preparation for the cross country season. Rather than allowing the setback to diminish a commitment to the team, Decker stayed focused on recovery while continuing to support teammates.

As a team captain, Decker maintained a positive attitude and encouraged fellow student-athletes throughout the season. That leadership extended beyond personal recovery, with Decker continuing to fulfill the responsibilities of a captain and setting an example through a consistent work ethic and dedication to the team.

Our GRIT Award recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional determination, perseverance, resilience and tenacity while overcoming adversity. Introduced across all conference sports during the 2025-26 academic year, the award honors the impact those qualities have on teammates and the conference, not simply an athlete’s ability to overcome an individual setback.

Recipients are nominated by their respective head coaches and selected by the Frontier Conference Senior Woman Leaders Association (SWLA). Decker’s resilience and service as a team leader earned this year’s men’s cross country honor, with recognition taking place during the Frontier Conference Cross Country Championships in Billings, Mont.