The Empire 8 Athletic Conference has released its lists of standout athletes to watch in men's and women's indoor track and field for the 2025-26 season. These selections highlight performers from the previous year who earned All-Region, All-American, and national champion honors. The announcements spotlight talent across sprints, distance, throws, jumps, and multi-events from schools like Geneseo, Brockport, and Nazareth.
On January 20, 2026, the Empire 8 conference unveiled its athletes to watch for the upcoming indoor track and field season, recognizing individuals based on their 2024-25 indoor and 2025 outdoor achievements.
In the women's division, Brynn Mooney of Geneseo stands out as the 2024-25 Empire 8 Indoor Track Athlete of the Year. A sophomore sprinter from Honeoye Falls, New York, Mooney was a national champion in the 400-meter run and earned multiple All-American honors in relays and individual events, including first-team selections in the 4x400-meter relay.
Other notable women include Jillian Ambler of Geneseo, a junior pentathlete with All-American marks in hurdles, long jump, and relays; Ann Brennan, a senior distance runner with All-American steeplechase honors; and Alexa Belanger of Houghton, the 2024-25 Empire 8 Indoor Rookie of the Year and 2025 Outdoor Rookie of the Year, who achieved All-American status in high jump.
For the men, Jacob Miller of Geneseo, a senior sprinter, earned All-American honors in the 400-meter run and 4x400-meter relay. Ryan Hagan, a junior distance runner, secured All-American placements in the 1,500-meter and 5,000-meter runs outdoors. Brandon Kaplan of St. John Fisher was named the 2025 Empire 8 Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year for his hammer throw prowess, including All-American recognition.
Additional men's standouts include Emerson Comer of Geneseo with All-American steeplechase honors and Pierce Young, also from Geneseo, with strong distance medley and steeplechase performances. These athletes represent schools such as Brockport, Nazareth, Utica, and St. John Fisher, promising competitive indoor seasons ahead.
The lists emphasize the conference's depth in events like sprints, hurdles, throws, and distance running, setting the stage for regional and national contention.
