NEW ORLEANS – National Athletes & Coaches of the Year for the 2025 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field season were announced on Thursday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

Award winners were determined by a vote of USTFCCCA member coaches after the conclusion of the 2025 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Marion, Indiana. Only those individuals from USTFCCCA member programs are eligible for awards.

Christian Rios was named the National Men's Field Athlete of the Year for the 2025 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field season. Rios, who hails from Highland, Indiana, scored 17 points at the 2025 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, led by a runner-up finish in the hammer (losing by just 0.05m/2") while also placing in the shot put (fourth) and discus (fifth). He earned MVP honors at the Crossroads League Outdoor Championships, scoring 30 points in sweeping the shot put, discus and hammer.

The Knights finished in fourth place last week at the NAIA Outdoor National Championships.

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