DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association released its 2026 Regional Awards on Monday, and three Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University athletes and coaches were among those honored for exceptional outdoor track and field seasons.

NCAA Division II outdoor triple jump national runner-up Mikaela Miles was named the USTFCCCA South Region Women's Field Athlete of the Year. The finish at nationals secured Miles' third NCAA Division II First Team All-American honor. Earlier in the season, Miles swept the horizontal jumps at the Peach Belt Conference Championships.

Gary Ellington earned the 2026 USTFCCCA Men's Assistant Coach of the Year award after directing Embry-Riddle's sprints and hurdles group. His athletes won six events at the Sunshine State Conference Championship. At the NCAA Division II National Championships, sprinter Derick Brown and freshman Luke Richardson both competed, with Richardson earning First Team All-American recognition.

Laura Loht was named the USTFCCCA South Region Women's Assistant Coach of the Year after guiding Eagle athletes to five event victories at the Peach Belt Conference Outdoor Championships. Her group combined for 102 points, more than six of the seven other full team totals. Loht sent two athletes to the NCAA Division II national championship: Alexandra Baltazar Hall in the discus and Jade Nayap in the high jump.