NEW ORLEANS – Missouri Southern Associate Head Coach for Track and Field Brian Allen was named the USTFCCCA (U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association) Central Region Men's Assistant Coach of the Year for the 2026 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field season, the organization announced Monday.
 
Under Allen's leadership, the Lions' men throwers accounted for 41 points at the 2026 MIAA Indoor Championships while sweeping both throwing events. Cedric Pearson captured the shot put Championship while Gabe Ford was crowned weight throw Champion. Jamale Williams also earned All-MIAA honors, finishing third in shot put.
 
Allen's throwing group also had six entries across the two throws at the 2026 NCAA Division II Indoor Championships in Virginia Beach, where the Lions earned two First Team All-America honors led by the runner-up finish in the shot put by Pearson. Allen also coach 2026 All-Americans Williams, Ford, Isaiah Waller, Lucas Trotter and Trace Wooldridge in addition to Pearson.
 
Each of the eight regions – Atlantic, Central, East, Midwest, South, South Central, Southeast and West – honored both gender's top track athletes and field athletes as well as the top men's and women's head coaches and assistant coaches.
 
Award winners were determined by a vote of USTFCCCA member coaches following the conclusion of the 2026 NCAA DII Indoor Track & Field Championships in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Performances from both the NCAA Championships and the regular season were considered. Only those individuals from USTFCCCA member programs are eligible for awards.