The Pittsburg State University track and field coaching staff has been honored as the Men's and Women's MIAA Coaching Staff of the Year for the 2025-26 indoor season. The Gorillas swept both championships, marking continued dominance in the conference. This recognition highlights their success in leading the teams to multiple titles and numerous individual achievements.
The announcement came on March 4, 2026, recognizing the Pittsburg State University track and field program's accomplishments during the indoor season. The coaching staff earned the MIAA Coaching Staff of the Year award for both the men's and women's teams. This marks the fourth consecutive honor for the men's side and the third straight for the women's side.
The Gorillas hosted the MIAA Indoor Track and Field Championships at the Robert W. Plaster Center from February 27 to March 1 in Pittsburg. The men's team scored a record-breaking 225 points, surpassing the runner-up by 110 points to secure their sixth consecutive indoor title. The women's team finished with 200 points, claiming their fifth straight championship.
Overall, the programs combined for 16 individual MIAA champions, four champion relay teams, and 39 All-MIAA performances. Leading the staff is head coach Kyle Rutledge and associate head coach and meet director Brian Mantooth. They are assisted by Ben Barrows, head men's and women's cross country coach, along with Jason Crow and Jesse Miller. Graduate assistants Chandler Barnett, Zach Chandler, and Dalton Gleeson also contribute to the team.
In the last four years, the Pittsburg State coaching staff has received 17 MIAA Coaching Staff of the Year honors across men's and women's cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field.
Looking ahead, the Gorillas will compete at the 2026 NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Indoor Track and Field Championships, held March 13-14 at the Virginia Beach Sports Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Both the men's and women's teams are the reigning national champions, with the men having won the last three consecutive indoor national titles.
