NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced its 2025 NAIA Indoor Track & Field Regional Athletes and Coaches of the Year on Thursday, with Eastern Oregon University claiming West Region honors in multiple categories.
The Mountaineers claimed six major awards, recognizing both athletic and coaching excellence. The accolades come as EOU prepares for the NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships next week in Gainesville, Florida.
Men's Track Athlete of the Year – Maxximus Richmond
Richmond, a Spokane, Washington, native, earned the honor after an outstanding season in the 600 meters. He posted a personal-best time of 1:19.43, qualifying for the NAIA Indoor Championships both individually and as a key member of several relay teams.
Men's Field Athlete of the Year – Justin Krabbenhoft
Krabbenhoft, from Metaline Falls, Washington, ranks third nationally in the heptathlon with 5,140 points, a total he achieved at the Lauren McCluskey Memorial Open. His versatility and high-level performance solidified his place among the nation's best.
Men's Coach of the Year – Ben Welch
In his 34th year leading Eastern Oregon, Welch guided the Mountaineers to a No. 1 ranking in the West Region. EOU qualified 18 athletes for the national championships and posted seven top-10 #EventSquad Rankings, including a No. 2 spot in the heptathlon.
Women's Coach of the Year – Ben Welch
Welch also claimed the Women's Coach of the Year honor after leading EOU to a No. 1 regional ranking. His athletes set four school records this season while qualifying 10 competitors for nationals in nine different events.
Men's Assistant Coach of the Year – Connor Bracken
Bracken, in his seventh year on staff, played a key role in EOU's success, coaching eight athletes to national qualifying marks across six events. His training contributed to four top-10 #EventSquad Rankings, including No. 2 in the heptathlon and No. 3 in the high jump.
Women's Assistant Coach of the Year – Connor Bracken
Bracken also earned Women's Assistant Coach of the Year honors, helping eight Mountaineer athletes qualify for nationals in seven events. His athletes set new school records in the 60 meters, 60-meter hurdles, high jump, and pentathlon.
Eastern Oregon's dominance in the West Region reflects the program's continued excellence as it heads into the NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships. The Mountaineers will look to build on this success when they compete on the national stage next week.
