Bridgewater, NJ -- Two of the NEC’s most historic track & field programs reclaimed their respective thrones at the league’s outdoor championship and were rewarded with a bevy of end-of-year honors as the conference announced its Coaching Staff of the Year awards, All-Conference squads and All-Rookie teams.

Central Connecticut veteran women’s head coach Eric Blake and his staff, along with Wagner first-year men’s head coach Marvin Azor and his staff, were named NEC Coaching Staff of the Year winners after guiding their programs to team titles at the 2026 NEC Outdoor Track & Field Championship.

CCSU won the conference championship for the first time since 2019 and second in program history, while Wagner hoisted the NEC trophy for the first time since a Seahawk a three-peat from 2021-23.

The Coaching Staff of the Year award winners were selected by a vote of the league’s head coaches.

Just three months after hanging its first indoor track & field championship banner since 2024, CCSU regained the top spot on the outdoor circuit. Compiling 182 points, the Blue Devils registered 15 podium finishes, including eight gold medals. 

2026 Most Valuable Performer Maegan Desmarais notched a pair of gold first-place showings in the 3000m steeplechase and the 10,000m. Mya Morabito and Maya Marin each claimed two gold medals, as well. Morabito won the 800m and the 1500m, while Marin tossed meet-best distances in the javelin and discus. The Blue Devils also captured gold behind Kyrah Smith in the 400m and their 4x800m quartet.

Desmarais earned Most Outstanding Track Performer (Distance) in addition to her MVP award.

Winning its fourth title in the past six years, Wagner posted 18 top three finishes, including nine gold medals, in Azor’s first season at the helm.

Wagner hauled in three major awards at the meet, including freshman sprinter Noah Grant tabbed the NEC Most Outstanding Track Performer (Sprints) and Most Outstanding Rookie. Veteran Jack Mason claimed Most Outstanding Field Performer (Jumps), while senior Florian Hinry garnered Co-Most Outstanding Track Performer (Distance) accolades.

Grant won both the 100m and 200m dashes, while also running as part of the Seahawks’ gold medal 4x100m quad. Mason leaped to gold in both the triple and long jump along with setting a new meet record in the long jump (7.75m). Hinry placed first in the 10,000m run.

The Seahaks also picked up gold medal ss from Dante Rodney (400m hurdles), Julio Martinez (pole vault), Dario Sina de la Fuente (javelin) and Christopher Milillo (hammer throw).

The All-NEC first and second teams were compiled of the first and second-place finishers in each event. For the men, team champion Wagner led the way with 12 All-Conference selections while the CCSU women registered an NEC-best 11 top-two finishers on its way to the league crown.

The All-Rookie teams consisted of the top rookie finishers in each event. Chicago State led all men’s squads with four selections. On the women’s side, LIU had the most honorees also with four.