NEW ORLEANS- In a Wednesday release, the United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association has officially named redshirt senior Johnathon Harper (Lorena, Texas) the National Men's Field Athlete of the Year following his dominance in the heptathlon throughout the 2021-22 season.
 
Harper was crowned champion in the event at the 2022 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field National Championships, scoring 5,751 points marking the third-best performance in DII track and field history. Additionally, Harper's benchmark cemented his status atop the Texas A&M-Kingsville and Lone Star Conference record books. 
 
The Lorena, Texas native is the second Javelina to receive the award and the first since 2016, as Jeron Robinson last claimed the accolade after a season in which he won the high jump title and set a new school record at 2.29m (7-6), a height that is second-all time.
 
Harper adds the honor to his career accolades that include six All-America awards, eight all-conference honors, three Lone Star Conference Championships, a regional athlete of the year award, and assisting the men's outdoor track and field team to the 2018 title.
 
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