Three From the Heart Earn South Central Region Track & Field Honors

The USTFCCCA announced its 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Regional Awards on Thursday, recognizing top athletes and coaches from across the country ahead of next week's NAIA National Championships in Asheville, North Carolina. 

Three individuals from the Heart of America Athletic Conference earned South Central Region honors following standout performances during the 2026 outdoor season. 

Mary Lorang, Benedictine — South Central Region Women's Field Athlete of the Year 

Lorang closed the regular season ranked No. 1 nationally in the javelin and No. 2 nationally in the discus. Both marks came during winning performances at the Heart Outdoor Track & Field Championships, including her NAIA-leading javelin throw of 47.53m (155-11), which leads the national performance list by more than five feet. She also earned a runner-up finish in the hammer throw at the conference meet. 

In addition to the regional honor, Lorang was previously voted the 2026 Heart Outdoor Track & Field Women's Field Athlete of the Meet by conference coaches. 

Kenny Anderson, Central Methodist — South Central Region Women's Coach of the Year 

Anderson guided the Eagles to the 2026 Heart Outdoor Track & Field team championship after totaling 237 points and winning eight events at the conference meet. Central Methodist currently sits No. 2 in the national rankings and boasts six events ranked No. 1 nationally in the #EventSquad Rankings. Anderson was also selected as the 2026 Heart Outdoor Track & Field Women's Coach of the Year by Heart head coaches. 

Kailey Johnson, Central Methodist — South Central Region Women's Assistant Coach of the Year 

Johnson coached athletes responsible for 108 team points and two individual event titles during Central Methodist's conference championship performance. Her event groups currently rank No. 1 nationally in both the heptathlon and high jump according to the #EventSquad Rankings. 

The 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships are scheduled for May 20-22 in Asheville, North Carolina.