NEW ORLEANS — For the second time in his career, Yakob Ekoue (Sr. - Hopkins, Minn.) of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's track and field team has earned national athlete of the year honors. Ekoue was named the NCAA Division III Men's Field Athlete of the Year for the 2025 outdoor season by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association on Tuesday.

Ekoue also won the award in 2023. He is one of only two field athletes from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) to ever win the award twice during outdoor, joining former teammate Marcus Weaver on that list.

Ekoue won a second consecutive national championship in discus at the NCAA Division III Outdoor National Championships this season, setting a facility record in the process. He also placed third in both shot put and hammer throw to earn All-America honors in both events. He scored 22 team points for the Blugolds, helping the squad finish as national runner-up.

Earlier in the season, Ekoue won a WIAC title in discus. He holds school records in both discus and hammer throw. He finished his Blugold career with 13 All-America honors and four national championships.