Award History
NCAA DI OTF Regional Awards2023 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Regional Awards
NEW ORLEANS – Regional Athletes and Coaches of the Year for the 2023 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field season were announced on Thursday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) following the conclusion of the season.
Members coaches voted on these honors after the 2023 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships this past weekend in Austin, Texas, and considered performances throughout the season. Only USTFCCCA member schools are eligible for awards.
Information on each of the winners can be found below.
Men’s Track Athlete of the Year
GREAT LAKES REGION – Jackson Sharp – Wisconsin
Sharp, who hails from Wentworth Falls, Australia, finished third in the 5000 meters at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 14:06.77. Just a few weeks earlier, Sharp PR’d in the event at the NCAA DI East Preliminary Round in 13:26.56 to qualify for the final site. Earlier in the season, Sharp won the 1500 at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships and clocked an 800-meter PR of 1:50.87 PR at the Wisconsin Classic.
MID-ATLANTIC REGION – Handal Roban – Penn State
Roban, who hails from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, finished third in the 800 meters at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 1:45.95. Earlier in the season, Roban took third in the event at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships and anchored Penn State to a runner-up finish in the 4×800 at the Penn Relays.
MIDWEST REGION – Matthew Wilkinson – Minnesota
Wilkinson, who hails from Greenwood, Minnesota, started his postseason with a bang, winning both the steeplechase and 5000 meters at the Big Ten Outdoor Track & Field Championships – becoming the first athlete to accomplish that feat since Mason Ferlic in 2016. Just about one month later, Wilkinson finished fifth in the steeplechase at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
MOUNTAIN REGION – Courtney Lindsey – Texas Tech
Lindsey, who hails from Rock Island, Illinois, sprinted into the record books at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships. He won the 100 meters in a wind-legal 9.89 to clock the fourth-fastest mark in collegiate history, then finished runner-up in the 200 meters in a wind-legal 19.89 to crack the all-time top-10 in that event. Earlier in the season, Lindsey scored 22.5 points at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships thanks to sweeping those aforementioned events and helping out the title-winning 4×100 relay that set a conference record.
NORTHEAST REGION – Graham Blanks – Harvard
Blanks, who hails from Athens, Georgia, finished runner-up in the 5000 meters at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 14:06.53, which came two days after he took sixth in the 10,000 meters at 28:15.90. He entered the NCAA DI Outdoor Championships undefeated in the 5000 and clocked conference and program records in the event at the Wake Forest Invitational when he ran 13:24.91.
SOUTH REGION – Will Sumner – Georgia
Sumner, who hails from Canton, Georgia, won the 800 meters at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 1:44.26 to become the fifth-fastest performer in collegiate history. Not only that, but his 1.48-second margin of victory was among the largest in the history of the Championships. Earlier in the season, Sumner took top honors in the 800 at the SEC Outdoor Championships and helped the Georgia 4×400 relay to an all-time top-5 mark.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION – Godson Oghenebrume – LSU
Oghenebrume, who hails from Ughelli, Nigeria, finished runner-up in the 100 meters at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships and toted the baton on the winning 4×100 relay. His wind-legal mark of 9.90 in Austin, Texas, made him the seventh-fastest performer in collegiate history. Earlier in the season, Oghenebrume won the 100 at the SEC Outdoor Championships and anchored LSU to the collegiate record in the 4×100 relay at 37.90.
SOUTHEAST REGION – Nate Mountain – Virginia
Mountain, who hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, finished fourth in the steeplechase at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships. That came just about one month after he won the event at the ACC Outdoor Championships in a PR of 8:32.05. Earlier in the season, Mountain turned 5000 meters in 13:48.25 to set a PR at the Raleigh Relays.
WEST REGION – Ky Robinson – Stanford
Robinson, who hails from Brisbane, Australia, became the first athlete since Edward Cheserek in 2016 to win both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters at the NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Earlier in the season, Robinson clocked seasonal bests of 13:22.29 and 28:54.74 in those events, respectively, and finished second in the 1500 meters at the Pac-12 Outdoor Championships.
Men’s Field Athlete of the Year
GREAT LAKES REGION – Hunter Garretson – Akron
Garretson, who hails from Newcomerstown, Ohio, finished runner-up in the pole vault at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a near PR of 5.70m (18-8¼). The MAC champion started the outdoor season with a PR of 5.71m (18-8¾) at the Texas Relays.
MID-ATLANTIC REGION – Sondre Guttormsen – Princeton
Guttormsen, who hails from Ski, Norway, equaled the fifth-best performer in collegiate history with a 5.90m (19-4¼) clearance in the pole vault at the Texas Invitational. He entered the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships undefeated in the event, including a title at the Ivy League Outdoor Championships, but tied for sixth in Austin, Texas.
MIDWEST REGION – Kostas Zaltos – Minnesota
Zaltos, who hails from Kilikis, Greece, finished runner-up in the hammer at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a PR of 76.33m (250-5). He won five event finals this season, including victories at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships and Drake Relays.
MOUNTAIN REGION – Zach Bradford – Texas Tech
Bradford, who hails from Bloomington, Illinois, tied for third in the pole vault at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships at 5.60m (18-4½). Earlier in the season, Bradford set a PR in the event at 5.87m (19-3) in a winning effort at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships.
NORTHEAST REGION – Kenneth Ikeji – Harvard
Ikeji, who hails from London, United Kingdom, won the hammer at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a PR of 77.92m (255-8) that made him the fourth-best performer in collegiate history. He took top honors in eight of the nine hammer competitions in which he contested, including a title at the Ivy League Outdoor Championships.
SOUTH REGION – Kyle Garland – Georgia
Garland, who hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, finished runner-up in the decathlon at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a score of 8630 points. That was the third-best total in collegiate history, which topped his previous seasonal best of 8589 that he amassed in a winning effort at the SEC Outdoor Championships. All told, Garland registered two totals this season that rank among the top-4 marks in collegiate history.
co-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION – Jaydon Hibbert – Arkansas
Hibbert, who hails from Kingston, Jamaica, capped an undefeated season in the triple jump with a victory at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships. He bounded 17.56m (57-7½) to record the fourth-farthest mark in collegiate history. That was his second-best effort of the season, because earlier at the SEC Outdoor Championships, he shattered the collegiate record – and set an all-time World U20 outdoor best – with his majestic 17.87m (58-7½) PR.
co-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION – Leo Neugebauer – Texas
Neugebauer, who hails from Leinfelde-Echterdingen, Germany, obliterated the collegiate record in the decathlon at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships when he amassed 8836 points. Not only did he set a collegiate record, Neugebauer became the eighth-best performer in world history and took down the German national record. Earlier in the season, he won the decathlon at the Texas Relays with a then-PR score of 8478 points.
SOUTHEAST REGION – Ethan Dabbs – Virginia
Dabbs, who hails from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, finished runner-up in the javelin at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a mark of 79.27m (260-1). The eventual ACC champion hit a seasonal-best 80.82m (265-2) at the Virginia Challenge.
WEST REGION – Turner Washington – Arizona State
Washington, who hails from Tucson, Arizona, won the discus and finished runner-up in the shot put at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships. He won the discus on his final throw of the competition, hurling the platter 66.22m (217-3) for a seasonal best. Earlier in the season, Washington finished runner-up in both events at the Pac-12 Outdoor Championships.
Men’s Coach of the Year
GREAT LAKES REGION – Angela Martin – Indiana State
Martin, in her seventh year as Program Director & Head Coach at Indiana State, led the Sycamores to the team title at the MVC Outdoor Championships with 186 points. Her athletes earned 16 All-Conference honors and scored in 18 of 21 events, including all nine field events. In nine events, ISU scored 10-plus points, including 20-plus points in both the high jump and shot put, in earning 13 entries to the NCAA East First Round.
MID-ATLANTIC REGION – Jamie Cook – Navy
Cook, in his sixth year as Director of Track & Field/Cross Country at Navy, led the Midshipman to the team title at Patriot League Championships, winning 12 events in ranking No. 1 in the Mid-Atlantic Region for seven weeks during the regular season. Eleven of his athletes earned entries to the NCAA East First Round. He was Named Patriot League Coach of the Year as his athletes collected men’s track and field athletes of the meet along with highest point scorer and rookie of the meet awards.
MIDWEST REGION – Justin St. Clair – Nebraska
St. Clair, in his first year as head coach at Nebraska, led the Cornhuskers to the team title at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships with 151 points as he was honored as Big Ten Coach of the Year. Nebraska also tied for 17th place at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the highest finish by any team from the Midwest Region. His athletes earned for four First-Team All-America and seven Second-Team All-America awards.
MOUNTAIN REGION – Wes Kittley – Texas Tech
Kittley, in his 24th year as Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Texas Tech, led the Red Raiders to a sixth-place finish at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with 34.5 points. His athletes won the 100, went 2-3 in the 200 and placed fourth in the 400 hurdles at the NCAA DI Championships. Texas Tech also won the team title at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships with a meet-record 179 points in winning eight events.
NORTHEAST REGION – Jason Saretsky – Harvard
Saretsky, in his 17th year as Director of Track and Field/Cross Country at Harvard, led the Crimson to tie for 11th place at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with five athletes. Four of his earned a combined five All-America honors, led by NCAA hammer throw champion Kenneth Ikeji and 5000 runner-up Graham Blanks. He was named Ivy League Coach of the Year after Harvard won the team title at the Ivy League Outdoor Championships while winning eight events.
SOUTH REGION – Mike Holloway – Florida
Holloway, in his 21st year as head coach at Florida, led the Gators to the team title at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with 57 points. His 4×400 team set the collegiate record at the SEC Outdoor Championships (2:57.76) and broke it at the NCAA DI Championships (2:57.74). He coached Emmanuel Bamidele to the 400 title with a school record 44.24, the fastest collegiate time of the year. Florida also finished sixth at the SEC Outdoor Championships, winning three events.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION – Chris Bucknam – Arkansas
Bucknam, in his 15th year as head coach at Arkansas, led the Razorbacks to a runner-up finish at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Three of his athletes won individual titles at the NCAA DI Championships – Phillip Lemonious (110 hurdles), Carey McLeod (long jump) and Jaydon Hibbert (triple jump). Arkansas also won the team title at the SEC Outdoor Championships with 149 points, winning by 60 points in capturing five events.
SOUTHEAST REGION – Mark Elliott – Clemson
Elliott, in his 10th year as Director of Track & Field at Clemson, led the Tigers to the team title at the ACC Outdoor Championships, winning four events. Clemson was in 10th place the ACC Championships before moving up to win on the final day. His athletes earned six entries to the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships, including Giano Roberts, who set a school record of 13.31 in the 110 hurdles.
WEST REGION – Andy Powell – Washington
Powell, in his fifth year as head coach at Washington, led the Huskies to the team title at the Pac-12 Outdoor Championships, winning seven events and sweeping the 1500 through the 10,000. Washington had 13 entries to the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships and finished 9th with 26.5 points. Two of his athletes – Nathan Green and Joe Waskom – finished 1-2 in the 1500 at the NCAA DI Championships.
Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year
GREAT LAKES REGION – Ceith Creekmur – Michigan State
Under Creekmur’s guidance, Heath Baldwin achieved a 5th place NCAA finish in the Decathlon. Creekmur also coached Trevor Stephenson, who secured a 15th place pole vault finish in the NCAA and set a school record of 5.55m. Ryan Talbot, another athlete mentored by Creekmur, achieved a 15th-place finish in the decathlon at NCAAs. With 11 years of experience at Michigan State, Creekmur specializes in coaching Combined Events, Vertical, and Horizontal Jumps.
MID-ATLANTIC REGION – Chris Campbell – Navy
Campbell played a pivotal role in the success of First Team All-American Braden Presser, who achieved a sixth-place NCAA finish in the Javelin with a school record of 76.00m (249-4). Campbell’s coaching expertise also led to the qualification of Joshua Boamah (shot put, discus, hammer), Sam Kwatkosky (hammer), and Braden Presser (javelin) for the East Preliminaries. Under Campbell’s guidance, Navy excelled in shot put and discus, winning the Patriot League Championship and placing second in hammer and javelin. Notably, Navy had eight throws ranking in the top 10 in the region and six throws ranking in the top 100 nationally across four events. With seven years of coaching experience at Navy, Chris Campbell specializes in coaching Throws.
MIDWEST REGION – Peter Miller – Minnesota
Peter Miller, the Associate Head Track Coach at Minnesota, is recognized as the Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year in the Midwest Region. His coaching expertise contributed to the team’s impressive 20th place finish at the national championships, earning 15 points. Under Miller’s guidance, Minnesota athletes achieved outstanding performances, including two First Team All-Americans. Notable achievements include Kostas Zaltos’ Big Ten Championship in the Hammer, setting a meet record with a throw of 74.93m. Austin Parsons achieved a school record in the Javelin with a throw of 72.15m. Isaiah Schafer achieved a 4th place finish in the shot put, marking the 4th best performance in Minnesota’s history. Jake Kubiatowicz secured a 6rd place finish in the men’s hammer throw, recording a distance of 72.40m at the NCAA finals. Miller’s expertise in throwing events has led to Minnesota’s hammer squad being ranked number one both in 2023 and all-time. With 10 years of coaching experience at Minnesota, Peter Miller specializes in coaching Throwing Events.
MOUNTAIN REGION – Calvin Robinson – Texas Tech
Under Robinson’s guidance, his group played a crucial role in the team’s success, contributing to their 6th place finish at the NCAA Championships with a total of 34.5 points. Notably, Courtney Lindsey emerged as the NCAA champion in the 100m with a personal best time of 9.89 seconds, and he secured the national runner-up position in the 200m with a time of 19.86 seconds. Terrence Jones also excelled in the 200m, finishing 3rd with a personal best time of 19.87 seconds. Additionally, Caleb Dean achieved a 4th place finish in the 400m hurdles. Robinson’s athletes were instrumental in Texas Tech’s success, contributing to the team’s Big 12 record of 179 points, where they crowned four individual champions and secured victory in the 4×100 relay, leading them to claim the conference title by a margin of 53.5 points. With eight years of experience at Texas Tech, Calvin Robinson specializes in coaching sprints, hurdles, and relays.
NORTHEAST REGION – Dave Hegland – Syracuse
Dave Hegland, the Associate Head Coach at Syracuse, is recognized as the Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year in the Northeast Region. Hegland’s coaching expertise led to the exceptional performance of Jaheem Hayles, who finished 3rd in the 110-meter hurdles at the NCAA Championships. This marked the seventh time in the last 11 seasons that Hegland coached a hurdler at the NCAA Championships in the event. Hayles also set a school record of 13.28 seconds in the NCAA final. Under Hegland’s guidance, Syracuse had a strong presence in the hurdles, with four All-ACC hurdlers placing in the top six in both the men’s 110-meter hurdles and 400-meter hurdles. Additionally, Syracuse had five of the top-10 finishers in the ACC in the 110-meter hurdles, with three athletes reaching the finals. With 18 years of coaching experience at Syracuse, Dave Hegland specializes in coaching sprints and hurdles.
SOUTH REGION – Blaine Wiley – Alabama
Blaine Wiley, an assistant coach at Alabama, stands out as the Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year in the South Region. His coaching prowess led Alabama to its most historic finish in the 400m hurdles, with the team achieving both the national champion (Robinson) and national runner-up (Long) titles in the event. Additionally, Tarsis Orogot secured a 5th-place finish in the 200m, and the team performed exceptionally well in the 4x400m relay, finishing in fourth place. Wiley’s coaching excellence was recognized as Tarsis Orogot was named the SEC Male Runner of the Week and the USTFCCCA’s Men’s National Athlete of the Week. The nationals-qualifying 4×400 relay, along with four other athletes, also advanced in their individual events, with four of Wiley’s athletes winning SEC medals across two events. With eight years of experience at Alabama, Blaine Wiley specializes in coaching sprints and hurdles.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION – Travis Geopfert – Arkansas
Travis Geopfert, the Associate Head Coach at Arkansas, earns recognition as the Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year in the South Central Region. Geopfert’s event group played a significant role in Arkansas’ success, scoring 31 of the team’s 53 points, leading them to finish as the NCAA team runner-up. Notably, Jaydon Hibbert, a freshman coached by Geopfert, emerged as the SEC Field Athlete of the Year, remaining undefeated in the triple jump and winning the NCAA title by a remarkable two-foot margin. Moreover, Arkansas became only the third school in NCAA history to achieve a 1-2 finish in the long jump, with Carey McLeod and Wayne Pinnock securing the top two positions. Geopfert’s coaching expertise also contributed to Arkansas winning the SEC team title, with the team scoring 69 out of 149 points. With 11 years of coaching experience at Arkansas, Travis Geopfert specializes in coaching jumps and combined events.
SOUTHEAST REGION – Steve Lemke – Virginia
Steve Lemke, an assistant coach at Virginia, is recognized as the Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year in the Southeast Region. Lemke made a significant impact by coaching Ethan Dabbs, who achieved a runner-up finish in the javelin at the NCAA Championships. Under Lemke’s guidance, his athletes accounted for 17 of Virginia’s points at the ACC Championship. Notably, Lemke coached a pair of Cavaliers to All-ACC finishes, and two of his throwers recorded personal bests at the ACC Championship meet. With his expertise in coaching throws, Steve Lemke completed his first year at Virginia as an Assistant Coach.
WEST REGION – Ricardo Santos – Stanford
Ricardo Santos, an assistant coach at Stanford, stands out as the Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year in the West Region. Santos’s athletes played a pivotal role in Stanford’s success, accounting for 31 of the team’s 44 points, leading them to finish third as a team at the NCAA Championships. Ky Robinson emerged as a standout performer, winning both the 5,000m and 10,000m races at the NCAA Championships, with teammate Charles Hicks securing the second position in the 10,000m and the sixth position in the 5,000m. Notably, Hicks and Robinson recorded the first- and third-fastest 10,000m times in the collegiate season, achieving impressive times of 27:57.47 and 27:58.74, respectively, both achieved at the Stanford Invitational. With four years of experience at Stanford, Ricardo Santos specializes in coaching distance events.
Women’s Track Athlete of the Year
GREAT LAKES REGION – Olivia Markezich – Notre Dame
Markezich, who hails from Woodinville, Washington, won the steeplechase crown at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 9:25.03 to clock the third-fastest time in meet history. Earlier in the season, Markezich took top honors in the steeplechase at the ACC Outdoor Championships as well as in the 5000 meters at the Raleigh Relays.
MID-ATLANTIC REGION – Faith DeMars – Penn State
DeMars, who hails from Ballston Spa, New York, won the 5000 meters and placed third in the steeplechase at the Big Ten Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Earlier in the season, she set a PR over 5000 meters of 15:44.98 at the Raleigh Relays.
MIDWEST REGION – Kennedy Blackmon – Oklahoma
Blackmon, who hails from Plano, Texas, finished runner-up in the 100 meters and ninth in the 200 meters at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Her wind-aided time in the 100 of 10.87 made her the 13th-fastest, all-conditions performer in collegiate history. Earlier in the season, Blackmon finished fourth in both individual events and anchored third-place 4×100 relay to score 11.5 points in helping Oklahoma notch its highest team finish and best point title in program history at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships.
MOUNTAIN REGION – Everlyn Kemboi – Utah Valley
Kemboi, who hails from Metkei, Kenya, won the 10,000 meters and finished runner-up in the 5000 meters at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships. She clocked two sub-32:10 marks this season in the 10,000 meters: the first (32:03.30) at the Stanford Invitational to become the tenth-fastest performer in collegiate history; the second (32:05.56) to set an all-time best at the NCAA DI West Preliminary Round.
NORTHEAST REGION – Maia Ramsden – Harvard
Ramsden, who hails from New Zealand, won the 1500 meters at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships in a PR of 4:08.60. Earlier in the season, Ramsden was named the Ivy League Most Outstanding Track Performer of the Year after winning both the 1500 and 5000 at the conference championships.
SOUTH REGION – Jacious Sears – Tennessee
Sears, who hails from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, finished in the top-4 of both the 100 meters (third) and 200 meters (fourth) at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships. She was the only athlete from the South Region to place among the top-4 athletes in both sprints in Austin, Texas. Earlier in the season, Sears won the 100-meter title at the SEC Outdoor Championships in a wind-legal 10.96 and was second in the 200.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION – Julien Alfred – Texas
Alfred, who hails from Castries, St. Lucia, capped a record-breaking, undefeated season at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships, where she won the 100, 200 and led off the winning 4×100 relay. Her wind-aided mark in the 100-meter final of 10.72 equaled the fastest all-conditions effort in collegiate history, while her wind-aided mark in the 200 of 21.73 is the fastest all-conditions time in collegiate history. Alfred ran the opening leg of a Texas 4×100 relay that obliterated the collegiate record twice this season, ultimately to 41.55 in Austin.
SOUTHEAST REGION – Masai Russell – Kentucky
Russell, who hails from Potomac, Maryland, set a collegiate record in the 100-meter hurdles of 12.36 to open the season at the Texas Relays. After staking her claim as the fastest wind-legal collegiate performer, Russell continued her season and ultimately scored 18.75 points at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with runner-up finishes in both the 100H and 400H, helping the runner-up 4×100 relay and sixth-place 4×400 relay. Russell’s wind-aided mark of 12.32 in the 100H final in Austin, Texas, is No. 3 on the all-time, all-conditions chart.
WEST REGION – Greta Karinauskaite – California Baptist
Kalinauskaite, who hails from Lithuania, finished runner-up in the steeplechase at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 9:30.85 that made her the sixth-fastest performer in collegiate history. The WAC steeplechase champion also set a PR over 5000 meters of 15:36.86 at the Stanford Invitational earlier in the season.
Women’s Field Athlete of the Year
GREAT LAKES REGION – Charity Griffith – Ball State
Griffith, who hails from Rushville, Indiana, won the high jump at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a clearance of 1.93m (6-4). Earlier in the season, Griffith starred at the MAC Outdoor Championships, where she scored 21 points in field events thanks to a victory in the high jump, a runner-up showing in the heptathlon and placing sixth in the long jump.
MID-ATLANTIC REGION – Mallory Kauffman – Penn State
Kauffman, who hails from Millerstown, Pennsylvania, finished sixth in the shot put at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a PR of 18.00m (59-0¾). Earlier in the season, Kauffman scored in both the discus and shot at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships – the former with a PR of 52.64m (172-9).
MIDWEST REGION – Axelina Johansson – Nebraska
Johansson, who hails from Hok, Sweden, won the shot put at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a mark of 19.28m (63-3¼). She was so dominant in Austin, Texas, that all six of her throws would have won the NCAA title. Earlier in the season, Johansson hit a PR of 19.54m (64-1¼) at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships to move up to No. 2 in collegiate history and set a Swedish national record.
MOUNTAIN REGION – Ruta Lasmane – Texas Tech
Lasmane, who hails from Ventspils, Latvia, finished third in the triple jump at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with an all-conditions PR of 14.21m (46-7½). Earlier in the season, Lasmane took runner-up honors in the event at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships.
NORTHEAST REGION – Stephanie Ratcliffe – Harvard
Ratcliffe, who hails from Melbourne, Australia, won the hammer at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a PR of 73.63m (241-7). That also cemented her standing as the fifth-best performer in collegiate history. Ratcliffe ended the year undefeated in the event.
SOUTH REGION – Jasmine Moore – Florida
Moore, who hails from Grand Prairie, Texas, shattered the collegiate record to win the triple jump at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships. She bounded 14.78m (48-6) to take down a five-year-old standard set by 2018 The Bowerman winner Keturah Orji. Moore also finished third in the long jump at 6.66m (21-10¼). Earlier in the season, Moore won both the long jump and triple jump at the SEC Outdoor Championships.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION – Ackelia Smith – Texas
Smith, who hails from Clarendon, Jamaica, won the long jump and finished runner-up in the triple jump at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Her mark in the triple jump of 14.54m (47-8½) made her the third-best performer in collegiate history. Smith made waves at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships, too, when she soared 7.08m (23-2¾) in the long jump to become the second-best performer in collegiate history behind Tara Davis.
SOUTHEAST REGION – Julia Fixsen – Virginia Tech
Fixsen, who hails from Shoreview, Minnesota, won the pole vault at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a PR of 4.45m (14-7¼). Earlier in the season, Fixsen took top honors in the event at the ACC Outdoor Championships as well as the East Coast Relays.
WEST REGION – Jorinde van Klinken – Oregon
van Klinken, who hails from Assen, The Netherlands, won the discus and finished runner-up in the shot put at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Her winning throw in the discus of 65.55m (215-1) bettered her own meet record that she set last year. van Kilnken made quick work of the discus this season, notching three all-time top-10 marks, including the third-best throw of 67.05m (220-0). The Netherlands native took home titles in both the discus and shot put at the Pac-12 Outdoor Championships.
Women’s Coach of the Year
GREAT LAKES REGION – Adrian Wheatley – Ball State
Wheatley, in his second year as head coach at Ball State, led the Cardinals to a 17th-place finish at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with 14 points. Ball State’s showing came with only two entries, who both earned First Team All-America honors – Charity Griffith for winning the high jump and Jenelle Rogers for placing fifth in the heptathlon. At the MAC Outdoor Championships, Rogers was named Most Valuable Performer – Field Athlete, and Alana Springer earned the Freshman Performer of the Year award.
MID-ATLANTIC REGION – David Oliver – Howard
Oliver, in his sixth year as Director of Track and Field at Howard, led the Bison to the team title at the MEAC Outdoor Championships, winning eight events and scoring a meet-record 241.5 points. His athletes led the Mid-Atlantic Region in five events and earned three entries in the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Named the MEAC Most Outstanding Coached, his athletes won the Penn Relays 100 hurdles and 400 hurdles.
MIDWEST REGION – Justin St. Clair – Nebraska
St. Clair, in his first year as head coach at Nebraska, led the Cornhuskers to an eighth-place finish at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with 25 points, the highest of any team from the Midwest Region. His athletes earned six All-America honors, including two titles at the NCAA DI Championships – Axelina Johansson in the shot put and Rhema Otabor in the javelin. Nebraska also finished third at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships with a school-record 112 points while winning five events.
MOUNTAIN REGION – Brian Bedard – Colorado State
Bedard, in his 17th year as head coach at Colorado State, led the Rams to the team title at the Mountain West Outdoor Championships, winning four events. He was named MWC Outdoor Coach of the Year as nine of his athletes earned All-Conference honors, including Gabi McDonald, who also won the Most Outstanding Performer award. Colorado State also had six entries to the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships, with McDonald earning two All-America distinctions.
NORTHEAST REGION – Jason Saretsky – Harvard
Saretsky, in his 17th year as Director of Track and Field/Cross Country, led the Crimson to a ninth-place finish at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with 23 points. Four of his athletes at the NCAA DI Championships earned All-America honors, including national champions Stephanie Ratcliffe in the hammer throw and Maia Ramsden in the 1500. Harvard also won the team title at the Ivy League Outdoor Championships with a meet-record 193 points, winning nine events.
SOUTH REGION – Mike Holloway – Florida
Holloway, in his 21st year as head coach at Florida, led the Gators to a runner-up finish at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with 51 points. Two of his athletes won titles at the NCAA DI Championships – Parker Valby in the 5000 and Jasmine Moore in the triple jump. Florida was also runner-up at SEC Outdoor Championships, winning four events.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION – Edrick Floréal – Texas
Floréal, in his fifth year as head coach at Texas, led the Longhorns to the team title at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with 83 points while winning five events. His relay teams set collegiate records in three events this year – 4×100 (three times), 4×200 and sprint medley, all with national champions Julien Alfred (100 and 200) and Rhasidat Adeleke (400). Texas also won the team title at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships, winning eight events.
SOUTHEAST REGION – Shawn Wilbourn – Duke
Wilbourn, in his third year as Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Duke, led the Blue Devils to the team title at the ACC Outdoor Championships with a meet-record 145.5 points. Duke also earned its highest-ever USTFCCCA ranking in program history at No. 4 earlier in the season. Thirteen of his athletes qualified for the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships as the Blue Devils set four program records during the outdoor season.
WEST REGION – Jerry Schumacher – Oregon
Schumacher, in his first year as head coach at Oregon, led the Ducks to a fourth-place finish at the 2023 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships with 44 points. His athletes collected 17 First Team or Second Team All-America awards, including two from national discus champion Jorinde van Klinken. He was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year after Oregon won the team title at the Pac-12 Championships with 158.5 points, winning seven events.
Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year
GREAT LAKES REGION – Steven Rajewsky – Michigan
Rajewsky played a crucial role in the team’s success, guiding them to a 14th place finish at the NCAA Championships with a total of 17 points. Rajewsky’s athletes produced a NCAA champion title, three All-Americans, and three Big Ten champions. Notably, his coaching led to the success of Savannah Sutherland, who emerged as NCAA champion and the U23 Canadian record holder in the 400m hurdles, while also setting a school record and achieving a world standard mark. With eight years of experience at Michigan, Steven Rajewsky specializes in coaching sprints and hurdles.
MID-ATLANTIC REGION – Chené Townsend – Penn
Chené Townsend, an assistant coach at Penn, earns recognition as the Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Penn had a stellar season, achieving four Ivy League championships and one runner-up position in various events, including the 100m, 100m hurdles, 4x100m, and 4x400m. The team also performed well at the NCAA Championships, with the 4x400m relay finishing 16th and setting the second-best time in program history with a time of 3:33.43. Townsend’s coaching expertise resulted in three program records, two of which were set by a freshman athlete in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m events. Additionally, Penn recorded eight top-5 program marks across five different events. With three years of coaching experience at Penn, Chené Townsend specializes in coaching sprints and hurdles.
MIDWEST REGION – Jerel Langley – Oklahoma
Jerel Langley, the Associate Head Coach at Oklahoma, stands out as the Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year in the Midwest Region. Langley’s coaching prowess played a vital role in Oklahoma’s success, as the team finished 12th at the NCAA Championships with a total of 18 points. Notably, Langley coached Pippi Lotta Enok to become the national champion in the heptathlon, setting new school records in both the heptathlon and long jump and ranking 15th all-time in the NCAA heptathlon. Olivia Lueking, coached by Langley, achieved Second-Team All-American status and broke the school record in the pole vault, securing the second-best performance in the NCAA and 24th all-time. Langley’s athletes contributed 38 points to the team’s total at the Big 12 Championship, with notable achievements in the pole vault, long jump, javelin, and heptathlon. With seven years of experience at Oklahoma, Jerel Langley specializes in coaching vertical jumps and combined events.
MOUNTAIN REGION – Charlee Linton – Utah
Charlee Linton, an assistant cross country and track & field coach at Utah, earns recognition as the Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year in the Mountain Region. Under Linton’s guidance, Utah had 15th-place team finish at the NCAA Championships with a total of 16 points. Linton’s coaching played a pivotal role in the success of Emily Venters and Simone Plourde, who achieved four All-American honors combined. Venters stood out with the sixth-fastest 10,000m time in NCAA history, clocking an impressive time of 31:48.35. Both Venters and Plourde secured Pac-12 championships in their respective events, with Venters winning the 10,000m and Plourde triumphing in the 15,000m. With two years of coaching experience at Utah, Charlee Linton specializes in coaching distance events.
NORTHEAST REGION – Alex Gibby – Harvard
Alex Gibby, the Associate Head Coach at Harvard, is recognized as the Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year in the Northeast Region. Gibby’s coaching led to outstanding performances by Harvard’s athletes, contributing to the team’s 9th place finish at the NCAA Championships with a total of 23 points. Notably, Gibby coached Maia Ramsden to an NCAA championship title in the 1500 meters. At the Ivy League Championship meet, Ramsden emerged as the champion in both the 1500m and 5000m, contributing significantly to the team’s total of 39 points. Additionally, Ella Gilson achieved a second-place finish in the Ivy League 10,000m event. Gibby’s coaching expertise resulted in seven athletes qualifying for the NCAA East preliminaries, and his athletes broke two Harvard records and one Ivy League record. With six years of coaching experience at Harvard, Alex Gibby specializes in coaching middle-distance and distance events.
SOUTH REGION – Nic Petersen – Florida
Nic Petersen, the Associate Head Coach at Florida, stands out as the Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year in the South Region. The Gators finished second as a team at the NCAA Championships with a total of 51 points. Petersen’s coaching expertise was evident through the outstanding performances of Jasmine Moore and Claire Bryant. Moore achieved First Team All-American and All-SEC honors, winning the NCAA crown in the triple jump and placing 3rd in the long jump at the NCAA Championships, as well as gold in both events at the SEC Championships. Bryant also secured First Team All-American and Second Team All-SEC honors, finishing fifth in the long jump at the NCAA Championships and earning a bronze medal in the event at the SEC Championships. Moore set her third collegiate record of the year in the triple jump, achieving a remarkable distance of 14.78m (48-6). With ten years of experience at Florida, Nic Petersen specializes in coaching jumps.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION – Chris Johnson – Arkansas
Chris Johnson, the Associate Head Coach at Arkansas, earns recognition as the Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year in the South Central Region. Johnson’s coaching played a pivotal role in Arkansas’ success, as the team finished third at the NCAA Championships with a total of 46 points. Notably, Johnson’s event group contributed all 46 points to the team’s tally. Under his guidance, Ackera Nugent emerged as the NCAA champion in the 100m hurdles, recording a time of 12.25w, which stands as the fastest all-conditions collegiate time and ranks equal 10th on the world list. Britton Wilson, another athlete coached by Johnson, achieved NCAA runner-up standing in the 400m and secured double victories in the SEC Championships in the 400m and 400m hurdles, breaking the collegiate record in the 400m three times. Johnson’s coaching expertise led to outstanding performances in the 400m, with Arkansas having five entrants in the NCAA event and scoring 19 points with a 2nd-3rd-4th finish. The team also secured victory in the NCAA 4x400m relay. Arkansas’ success extended to the SEC Championships, where Johnson’s coaching resulted in 59 of the team’s 134 points. With twelve years of coaching experience at Arkansas, Chris Johnson specializes in coaching sprints, hurdles, and mid-distance events.
SOUTHEAST REGION – Tim Hall – Kentucky
Tim Hall, an associate head coach at Kentucky, stands out as the Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year in the Southeast Region. Hall’s coaching expertise played a crucial role in Kentucky’s success, as the team finished sixth at the NCAA Championships with a total of 28 points. Under Hall’s guidance, nine athletes qualified for the NCAA Championships, resulting in one medal and a total of 17 All-America honors. At the SEC Championships, Hall’s coaching led to the impressive performances of 13 athletes, who secured 28 points and four All-SEC honors. Additionally, Hall coached an athlete to set a new school record in the 100m event. With five years of coaching experience at Kentucky, Tim Hall specializes in coaching sprints.
WEST REGION – Brian Blutreich – Oregon
Brian Blutreich, an assistant coach at Oregon, earns recognition as the Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year in the West Region. Blutreich’s coaching expertise resulted in outstanding performances by Oregon’s throwers, contributing to the team’s fourth-place finish at the NCAA Championships with a total of 44 points. Notably, Blutreich coached Jorinde van Klinken to an NCAA title in the discus, while also achieving a national runner-up position in the shot put. Jaida Ross secured a fifth-place finish in the shot put. Additionally, Shelby Moran qualified for the national meet in the hammer throw and finished ninth. Oregon’s throwers excelled at the Pac-12 Championships, securing conference titles in the shot put, discus (van Klinken), and hammer (Moran). Blutreich’s coaching expertise resulted in the throwers contributing 54 points to the team’s total of 158.5 points at the Pac-12 Championships. Blutreich is in his first year as throws coach at Oregon.