NEW ORLEANS – Conference Carolinas had four individuals recognized by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) when the organization announced their NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Regional Athletes and Coaches of the Year for the 2026 season this week.

Both Antoine King and Janara Bryant of the University of Mount Olive earned region awards as King was selected Southeast Region Men’s Field Athlete of the Year and Bryant garnered Southeast Region Women’s Field Athlete of the year honors.

Mount Olive assistant coaches Justin Potter and Clive McDonald earned Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year and Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year honors, respectively.

USTFCCCA REGION AWARDS RELEASE

Each of the eight regions – Atlantic, Central, East, Midwest, South, South Central, Southeast and West – honored both gender’s top track athletes and field athletes as well as the top men’s and women’s head coaches and assistant coaches.

Award winners were determined by a vote of USTFCCCA member coaches following the conclusion of the 2026 NCAA DII Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Emporia, Kansas. Performances from both the NCAA Championships and the regular season were considered. Only those individuals from USTFCCCA member programs are eligible for awards.