NEW ORLEANS, La. – The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) honored Oklahoma Baptist with one of its 15 Division II Program of the Year awards this week.
This accolade honors the institution(s) 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.
Under the direction of Head Coach
Brian Whitlock, OBU finished at No. 13 and was the only Great American Conference school recognized.
"I'm really proud of our men's program," Whitlock said. "For us to be one of only 15 teams to even qualify for this out of over 200 D2 men's programs is a great accomplishment."
Here's how the 2025-26 academic year shaped up for the Bison men. During cross country season, OBU qualified for the NCAA Championships for the first time and ended up in 25th place.
Then during the indoor track campaign, the green and gold placed 52nd. The year was capped off with a program-best finish at the outdoor championship in Emporia, Kansas. Over three days in late May, the Bison finished in 17th place.
To be eligible for the award, 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.
