New ORLEANS, La. – The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) has announced the Regional Athletes of the Year for the 2026 NAIA Indoor Track and Field season.
 
The top men's and women's top track athletes were recognized from each of the five regions – Great Lakes, Midwest, South, South Central, and West. Award winners were determined by a vote of USTFCCCA member coaches. Only those individuals from USTFCCCA member programs are eligible for awards.

Columbia College junior, Brenin Howell was named the South Central Region Men's Field Athlete of the Year for the second time in his career. Howell is ranked third nationally in the shot put, achieving the best mark of his career at 17.13m. Howell took home individual American Midwest Conference (AMC) titles in shot put (17.13m) and in weight throw (16.26m) this season.
 
He is set to compete at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships in Gainesville, Fla. on March 7 at 2:30 p.m. in men's shot put.