KANSAS — Austin Howell of the University of Saint Mary and Charles Jones of Sterling College have earned the KCAC Men's Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Week honors, respectively, the conference office announced Tuesday. The two student-athletes were selected for their performances from Jan. 5-11 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by
Athletic Solutions.
Track Athlete of the Week
Austin Howell - University of Saint Mary
Jr. | Lansing, Kan.
Howell had a strong weekend at the Friends meet, with his time in the mile (4:26.86) ranking second in the KCAC this season and 17th in all of the NAIA. His time in the 600 Meters ranks fifth in the conference.
Field Athlete of the Week
Charles Jones - Sterling College
Sr. | Yonkers, N.Y.
| Meet |
Date |
Track Event |
Total # Athletes |
Mark/Time |
Individual Finish |
Standard |
Link to Result |
| Friends University First Chance Qualifier |
1/10/2026 |
Long Jump |
16 |
6.97m |
2nd |
N/A |
milesplit.live/meets/704020 |
| Friends University First Chance Qualifier |
1/10/2026 |
High Jump |
15 |
1.96m |
4th |
N/A |
milesplit.live/meets/704020 |
Charles Jones had a phenomenal meet coming back from Christmas Break at the Friends University First Chance Qualifier in Wichita, Kan. on Saturday, Jan. 10. He placed 2nd in the long jump, beating all NAIA competitors in the event with a jump of 6.97m. Jones topped the meet off with a new school record in the high jump with a mark of 1.96m to place 4th in the event, clearing the same height as the second place finishers (behind on misses).
PREVIOUS 2025-26 KCAC MEN'S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD WEEKLY HONOREES
- Week 1 (Dec. 15): Anthony Shivers, Evangel (Track) | Peyton Ligon, Evangel (Field)
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ABOUT THE KANSAS COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and sponsors 28 varsity sports. Founded in 1890, the KCAC is the second oldest intercollegiate athletic conference in the country. As the conference home to 14 member institutions, the KCAC emphasizes commitment, cooperation, high achievement, and working towards a common goal in the act of competition. To keep up with the latest conference news, follow the KCAC on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram using the handle @kcacsports.
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