PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico track and field programs are setting the right tone before the 2026 Lone Star Conference indoor championships. This week, three student-athletes were recognized as conference athletes of the week. It is likely the first time ENMU has ever received three of the possible four awards in a single week.

"I'm proud of this group," said head coach Joshua Harden when commenting on the accolades. "It is awesome to see the versatility of our group. Our coaching staff has done an excellent job at growing our program at Eastern New Mexico University."

Strahinja Radakovic is the male track athlete of the week after a season-best 8.01s time in the 60m hurdles. His time ranks 26th in the nation and leads all runners in the conference. He won the short sprint race at the Crimson & Cream Qualifier last Friday.

For a second time this season, Hemon Joseph was recognized as the LSC male field athlete of the week. The senior is competing in his final collegiate meet this upcoming week unless he qualifies for nationals. Joseph earned the weekly honor after posting a 7.22m mark in the long jump in Norman. He ranks 19th among NCAA DII student-athletes in the long jump.

Minerva Cerda Hernandez improved her existing school record in the pole vault at the meet in Oklahoma. She cleared 3.60m (11-9.75) which ranks second among all vaulters in the Lone Star Conference. This is her collegiate best jump regardless of indoor or outdoor season as she bested her outdoor mark by four inches. She is seeking her third-straight podium finish at the conference championships.

Eastern New Mexico men's and women's track and field will be competing at the conference championships Feb. 27-28 in Albuquerque, N.M. where ENMU will be represented with 57 total entries. More information can be found on www.goeasternathletics.com