TAMPA, Fla. – The Sun Conference has announced its 2025–26 Indoor Track & Field specialty award winners following this year’s championship meet.
Tonyan Beckford of St. Thomas was named the Women’s Most Outstanding Performer after competing in four events for the Bobcats at the 2026 Sun Conference Indoor Championships. Beckford claimed conference titles in the 400 meters (56.35), 200 meters (24.00), and as a member of the 4x400 relay (3:49.39), while also placing second in the 60 meters (7.52). She set new Sun Conference records in each of the events she won and reached the NAIA “A” standard in all four of her championship events. Beckford was also recognized on-site as the meet’s Freshman of the Year and Most Valuable Performer.
Casey Wood of Keiser was named the Men’s Most Outstanding Performer following a dominant showing in the shot put at the 2026 Sun Conference Indoor Championships. Wood captured the conference title with a mark of 17.26 meters, surpassing the next closest competitor by 2.89 meters. His throw met the NAIA “A” standard and fell just three-hundredths of a meter shy of the Sun Conference record of 17.29 meters, which has stood for three years.
Madison Thomas of Ave Maria has been named the Women’s Champion of Character award recipient. Head coach Alan Webb said Thomas consistently demonstrates the NAIA’s core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership, serving as a team captain and leading with what he described as a “servant’s heart.” Webb highlighted her initiative in organizing team meals, supporting teammates, and fostering unity within the program, as well as her 3.8 GPA as an education major. On the track, she competed on the distance medley relay that placed second at the Sun Conference Indoor Championships and recorded a fifth-place finish in the mile. Webb noted that her leadership, academic excellence, and competitive integrity make her a deserving representative of Ave Maria and The Sun Conference.
Arthur Dupuy of Keiser has been named the Men’s Champion of Character award recipient. Head coach Jamaine Gordon described Dupuy as one of the most versatile athletes on the team, competing in the multi-events and embracing the challenge that comes with it. Gordon said that same mindset carries into his service beyond competition, noting his work at the Pepsi Fan Engagement Zone during the Florida Classic football game and his volunteer efforts with First Tee, where he assisted with event setup and worked directly with young students on their golf swings. Gordon added that Dupuy consistently encourages others, leads by example, and approaches every opportunity with maturity and purpose, qualities he believes reflect the standards of a Champion of Character.
Nick Dodson of Southeastern has been named the 2025–26 Women’s Indoor Track & Field Coach of the Year after guiding the Fire to their sixth consecutive Sun Conference Indoor Championship. Southeastern remains the only program to claim the women’s indoor title since the conference began sponsoring the sport. The Fire totaled 291 team points over the two-day championship meet to secure the crown.
Joey Scott of St. Thomas has been named the 2025–26 Men’s Indoor Track and Field Coach of the Year after leading the Bobcats to the program’s first Sun Conference Indoor Championship. St. Thomas concluded Southeastern’s five-year run as the league’s indoor champion, finishing with 315 team points while the next closest team totaled 162. The Bobcats’ 153-point margin reflected a dominant performance across the two-day championship meet.
For more information on this year's championship,
click here.
Women's Track & Field Awards
Most Valuable Performer: Tonyan Beckford, St. Thomas
Champion of Character: Madison Thomas, Ave Maria
Coach of the Year: Nick Dodson, Southeastern
Men's Track & Field Awards
Most Valuable Performer: Casey Wood, Keiser
Champion of Character: Arthur Dupuy, Keiser
Coach of the Year: Joey Scott, St. Thomas
ABOUT THE SUN CONFERENCE
Now in its 35th year, The Sun Conference, a 501c3 organization, continues to be one of the most successful intercollegiate athletic conferences in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Under the guidance of Commissioner Dustin Wilke, the league sponsors championships in 24 NAIA sports. Learn more at thesunconference.com
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