NEW ORLEANS — According to a release from the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Friday afternoon, two Montreat College upperclassmen walked away with regional accolades. Emma Barnes secured the organization's NAIA South Region Women's Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year honor, while Ryan Stade claimed NAIA South Region Men's Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year recognition.
 
A native of Waxhaw, N.C., Barnes enters the postseason with a pair of nationally-relevant marks. Just over a week ago, Barnes delivered a school-record heptathlon performance at the Montreat College Multis, notching 4,824 points, fourth-best in the NAIA this season. She also owns the 11^th-best distance in the javelin (43.12m). Additionally, Barnes captured Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Women's Field Athlete of the Year status for her outstanding efforts at the 2026 AAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
 
Like Barnes, Stade stood out above the rest on the conference and national levels. With the postseason beginning next week, Stade currently holds the association's top time in the 5000m (13:53.97). That mark also stands as a top-15 showing in NAIA history. A superb long-distance runner, the Marysville, Kan. native ranks third in the 10k as well (29:46.86). Stade championed both events at the conference meet last month.
 
For the complete list of USTFCCCA NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Regional Awards, click here.
 
Barnes and Stade are among the seven Cavaliers who will represent Montreat College next week at the 2026 NAIA Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championships. The former qualified for both the heptathlon and javelin, while the latter garnered selection for the 5000m and 10k races.