Aggies Earn Three SEC Outdoor Awards, Cement Dominance on Track
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — After a commanding performance at the SEC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the Texas A&M Aggies continued to shine as the conference announced its annual awards on Monday. The Aggies secured three of the SEC’s most coveted outdoor honors: Men’s Coach of the Year, Women’s Freshman of the Year, and Men’s Field Athlete of the Year.
Head Coach Pat Henry, a legend in collegiate track & field, was named SEC Men’s Coach of the Year for the 12th time in his career, after guiding the Aggie men to a dominant team victory in Gainesville. Under Henry’s leadership, Texas A&M collected 118 points, outpacing powerhouse programs like Arkansas and Florida. The men’s squad posted multiple personal bests and earned six gold medals across various disciplines, including the 400m, 4x400m relay, and discus throw.
“This is more than just a coaching award,” Henry said modestly. “It’s a reflection of the athletes, the staff, and the university. Our guys bought into the process, worked their tails off, and earned this title.”
Adding youthful firepower to the team, sprinter Jasmine Winston was honored as the SEC Women’s Freshman of the Year. The 18-year-old phenom from Houston delivered a statement performance in her first-ever SEC Championship appearance, finishing second in the 200m dash with a blazing 22.49 seconds—ranking top five nationally for the season. Winston also anchored the women’s 4x100m relay squad to a silver medal finish, establishing herself as a cornerstone of A&M’s future.
“Running for Texas A&M at this level is a dream,” said Winston. “To receive this award as a freshman means everything. I’m just getting started.”
On the men’s side, senior jumper Dorian Mitchell claimed the title of SEC Men’s Field Athlete of the Year after a jaw-dropping weekend. Mitchell shattered his own school record in the triple jump, soaring to a staggering 17.44 meters—good enough for the gold medal and the No. 2 mark in the NCAA this year. He also earned a bronze in the long jump, showcasing his rare versatility.
Mitchell, a fifth-year senior from Baton Rouge, credited his team and coaching staff. “This was five years in the making,” he said. “To end my SEC career with this award and a team title—there’s no better way.”
Texas A&M’s triple haul of SEC outdoor honors underscores its resurgence in collegiate track & field this season. With eyes now set on the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon, the Aggies are poised to make a national statement.
“These awards are moments to celebrate,” said Henry, “but our mission isn’t done. Nationals are next, and we’re going there to win.”
As the Aggie athletes jogged their victory laps and fans in maroon roared with pride, one thing was clear: Texas A&M isn’t just back—they’re built for the spotlight.
