Bracken

LA GRANDE — Nearing the conclusion of a successful track and field season, Eastern Oregon University head coach Ben Welch and assistant coach Connor Bracken both earned regional awards for their efforts.

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association named Welch the men’s West Region Coach of the Year. Welch, who has coached at Eastern for more than 30 years, guided the Mountaineers to a Cascade Collegiate Conference Championship earlier this month.

Eastern sent across the men’s and women’s sides to compete at the NAIA Outdoor Championships, which began May 25 and concluded May 27, in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Bracken has coached at Eastern since the start of the 2018 season, coaching sprints, hurdles and multi-events.

His role also includes coordinating the strength program for the team’s athletes.

Bracken was named the men’s West Region Assistant Coach of the Year in what is his first full-time season as an assistant coach.

It has been a productive year for both Welch and Bracken, who won the same awards at the conclusion of the indoor track season. Welch also earned the award last season in both outdoor and indoor. The Mountaineers men’s team is coming off its second consecutive conference title in outdoor track.