NEW ORLEANS, La. - Colorado State University Pueblo Track and Field continues to build on a historic 2025–26 campaign, as head coach Matt Morris has been named the USTFCCCA South Central Region Coach of the Year, while senior standout Helen Braybrook earned South Central Region Athlete of the Year honors.

The recognition comes following a remarkable indoor season for the ThunderWolves, one defined by national championships, record-breaking performances, and one of the most successful finishes in program history.

Morris guided the Pack to new heights on the national stage, highlighted by the women's team finishing fourth at the NCAA Division II Indoor National Championships—the highest finish in program history—while the men added a top-15 national finish. His leadership was evident across all event groups, particularly in the throws and middle-distance events, where CSU Pueblo delivered some of the most memorable moments of the championship meet.

One of the defining performances of the season came from veteran thrower Febe Wessels, who captured her first career national championship in the women's shot put. Wessels entered the fifth round of finals sitting in seventh place before delivering a clutch throw of 16.25 meters to surge into the lead. Holding her position through the sixth and final round, she secured the national title and etched her name alongside Pack legend Katherine Higgins in CSU Pueblo history.

On the track, Braybrook continued to cement her status as one of the premier middle-distance runners in the country. Just one day after helping lead the ThunderWolves to a dramatic come-from-behind victory in the distance medley relay, Braybrook returned to the track to finish runner-up in the women's mile with a time of 4:44.49. Her performance came less than 24 hours after running a blistering 4:37 split during the DMR, where she finished second in the final leg behind Adams State's Ava O'Connor.

Braybrook was also a key piece of CSU Pueblo's record-breaking distance medley relay squad, as the quartet of Jadyn Herron, Gabrielle Dunich, Charlotte Young, and Braybrook delivered a dominant performance in the championship race. The group secured the program's second consecutive national title in the event while lowering the previous Division II record with a historic mark.

In addition to Braybrook's efforts, Charlotte Young added another All-American performance for the ThunderWolves in the women's 800 meters, finishing fourth overall with a time of 2:07.66, further showcasing the depth and strength of Morris' middle-distance group.

The combination of championship performances, All-American finishes, and record-breaking efforts highlights the impact of Morris' leadership, as he continues to elevate CSU Pueblo Track and Field into a national contender.

Braybrook's selection as South Central Region Athlete of the Year comes as no surprise following her dominant indoor campaign. The senior not only captured a national title in the 800 meters and contributed to a national championship relay, but also broke the NCAA Division II indoor mile record earlier in the season with a time of 4:30.03 at the Boston University Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener.

She later posted the fastest 800-meter time in Division II this season at 2:04.2 at the Tyson Invitational, further solidifying her position as one of the most versatile and accomplished athletes in the nation. In addition to her success on the track, Braybrook was also named the 2025 Pacesetter of the Year by the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, further recognizing her impact and excellence on a statewide level.

The USTFCCCA regional honors serve as a testament to both Morris' leadership and Braybrook's excellence, as the ThunderWolves now turn their focus to the outdoor season with continued momentum and national aspirations