Kearney, Neb. – Both the Nebraska Kearney men's and women's track and field teams finished 12th in the 2025-26 "Program of the Year" race as determined by the U.S. Track & Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
The award honors the institution that has achieved the most success in each academic year (spanning the cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field seasons) based on the institution's finish at their respective championships.
To be eligible, teams must qualify for each of the championships. Scoring is based on the team's finish at each championship in cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field (i.e. 1st = 1 point, 2nd = 2 points … 31st = 31 points) with the lowest total score for all three championships combined determining the award winner. Ties among schools split points for positions taken.
During the past year, both Loper squads were 26th at the NCAA Division II Cross Country meet in Kenosha, Wis., with the women 25th (indoor) and 27th (outdoor) at track nationals in Virginia Beach and Emporia. On the men's side, UNK was 45th (indoor) and 13th (outdoor). Overall, the women garnered 80.5 points in this race with the men at 87.5.
Grand Valley (Mich.) State led on the men's side with Wingate (N.C.) second and the MIAA being well represented; Northwest Missouri (4th), Pittsburg State (6th), Washburn (9th), and UNK. West Texas A&M and Colorado School of Mines were the top two women's programs with Pitt State (3rd) and the Lopers representing the league. Finally, just 15 men's and 16 women's programs scored at all three sports/six categories.
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