NEW ORLEANS (www.blugolds.com) — The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced its 2026 outdoor regional awards Thursday. Of the 40 NCAA Division III student athletes to be recognized in their resepctive regions, UW-Eau Claire's Blake Postler was named the North Region Men's Track Athlete of the Year for his performances during the outdoor track & field season.

Postler scored 21 during his races for the Blugolds at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships last weekend. He won the 400m hurdles and became the second Division III athlete to ever finish the race under 50 seconds with a school record final time of 49.88 seconds. Postler also took third in the 110m hurdles with a school record time of 13.88 seconds. Finishing the weekend, he anchored the 4x400 relay team to a fourth place finish. Blake's scoring helped the Blugolds finish fifth overall with 34 points. 

Along with his success at nationals, Blake added a WIAC Championship performance in the 400m hurdles in the beginning of May with a first place finish and a final time of 50.87 seconds. Postler also was runner up in the 110m hurdles at the conference meet with a final time of 13.89 seconds. During the regular season, Postler recorded ten first or second place finishes between the 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, and the 4x100 relay.

This is the first time Postler received his award.

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