KANSAS — Tiyna Ridge of Friends University and Gabrielle Pitts of Evangel University have earned the KCAC Women's Outdoor Track and Field Athlete of the Week honors, respectively, the conference office announced Tuesday. The two student-athletes were selected for their performances from April 6-12 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
Tiyna Ridge - Friends University
Jr. | Edmond, Okla.
Ridge made more history with her NAIA "A" Standard qualifying time in the 100 meter run on Saturday (Apr. 11) at the Arkansas Spring Invitational. As the only NAIA runner, Ridge bested 47 other athletes, including multiple NCAA Div. I, Div. II and junior college competitors and was clipped only by 2024 Paris Olympian Gladymar Torres Crespo in a photo finish (.002). Ridge's time of 11.26 is a new school and KCAC record and not only ranks second in the NAIA this season but is the second best time in NAIA history.
Field Athlete of the Week
Gabrielle Pitts - Evangel University
Fr. | Springfield, Mo.
Pitts had an extremely busy weekend for Evangel, earning top two finishes in four different events, all of which broke school records, and hit the NAIA "B" qualifying standard in all four events. The freshman placed second in the 100 meter dash, while also competing in the 4x100 (team finished first) and 4x400 meter relays (team finished second). To wrap up the weekend, Pitts placed first in the Long Jump, hitting a mark of 5.89 meters.
PREVIOUS 2026 KCAC WOMEN'S OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD WEEKLY AWARD HONOREES:
- Week 1 (March 23): JayOnna Perry, Ottawa (Track) | Belle Barnett, Sterling (Field)
- Week 2 (March 31): Josie Tyrrell, Saint Mary (Track) | Delaney Miller, Evangel (Field)
- Week 3 (April 6): Tiyna Ridge, Friends (Track) | Aaliyah Ramirez, Friends (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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