NEW ORLEANS, La. – Eastern Oregon University Track and Field athletes and coaches earned top honors in the 2026 NAIA Indoor Track and Field Regional Awards, announced Thursday morning by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

Eastern nearly swept the West Region awards, highlighted by selections for Coach of the Year, Assistant Coach of the Year, and multiple Athletes of the Year honors.

Reuben Manzer was named Men's Track Athlete of the Year. At his most recent meet, Manzer recorded a personal-best time of 1:21.65 in the 600 meters and contributed to the 4x400 relay team that currently ranks fourth nationally.

Justin Krabbenhoft earned Men's Field Athlete of the Year honors. Krabbenhoft ranks first in the nation and fourth all-time in NAIA history in the heptathlon with a personal-best 5,465 points, set earlier this season at the Lauren McCluskey Memorial Invitational. He also posted PRs of 2.03 meters (6-7¾) in the high jump and 4.65 meters (15-3) in the pole vault.

Riley Morris was selected as Women's Track Athlete of the Year after delivering standout performances across multiple events. Morris has achieved NAIA "A" standards in the 800 meters, 1,000 meters, and the mile, where her time of 4:53.34 ranks seventh nationally.

On the coaching side, Ben Welch was named both Men's and Women's Coach of the Year, while Connor Bracken earned Men's and Women's Assistant Coach of the Year honors. Under their leadership, the Mountaineers hold the No. 1 West Region TFRI rating for both the men's and women's teams, including the nation's top-rated pole vault group. Welch and Bracken have coached 19 athletes to national qualifying standards — several in multiple events — while adding numerous new EOU Top 25 marks, facility records, and program records this season. 

To read the full release: USTFCCCA Regional Awards