Pittsburg State Track Stars Earn Top Regional Honors

Rutledge named Central Region Coach of the Year, Sprecker named Athlete of the Year

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:11am

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The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) has recognized Pittsburg State University's track and field program with top regional honors. Head coach Kyle Rutledge was named the Central Region Coach of the Year for both the men's and women's indoor track and field teams, while student-athlete Dylan Sprecker was named the Central Region Men's Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

Why it matters

Pittsburg State's track and field teams have experienced tremendous success in recent years, sweeping the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships for both the men's and women's teams. These regional awards highlight the program's continued excellence and the leadership of Coach Rutledge as well as the outstanding individual performance of Sprecker.

The details

Rutledge has helped guide the Gorillas to back-to-back national title sweeps at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships. He also led the men's team to a record-setting 225 points at the 2026 MIAA Indoor Championships, while coaching 21 All-America performances across both the men's and women's teams. Sprecker capped off an All-American season by winning the individual national title in the men's mile and anchoring the title-winning distance medley relay at the NCAA DII Indoor Championships.

  • The awards were announced on March 24, 2026.

The players

Kyle Rutledge

The head coach of the Pittsburg State University track and field teams, who was named the Central Region Coach of the Year for both the men's and women's indoor track and field teams.

Dylan Sprecker

A student-athlete at Pittsburg State University, who was named the Central Region Men's Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

Pittsburg State University

The university whose track and field program has experienced tremendous success, including back-to-back sweeps of the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships.

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The takeaway

Pittsburg State's track and field program continues to demonstrate its excellence at the regional and national levels, with Coach Rutledge's leadership and Sprecker's individual achievements serving as prime examples of the program's continued success.