Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Jeff Bovee and assistant coach Austin West received Missouri Valley Conference coaching honors after Illinois State secured its first men’s outdoor team championship since 1999, the league announced on May 27.
Bovee was named MVC Men’s Outdoor Coach of the Year, while West earned MVC Men’s Assistant Outdoor Coach of the Year. Bovee said, “It is a great honor for Austin to win this award in his first year as a Redbird coach. His athletes performed at a high level all season long and really showed up when it mattered the most. This is just the start of a bright career ahead for Austin.”
Bovee led Illinois State to the conference title and helped secure MVC Men’s Program of the Year honors for 2025-26. The recognition marks Bovee’s first MVC Men’s Outdoor Coach of the Year award and his 14th overall across men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor competition. In his 12th season with Illinois State, Bovee guided four individual champions, one relay crown, multiple all-conference performances, and several program top-10 results during the championship meet.
Under Bovee’s leadership, Zach Paul broke his own school record in the 100 meters with a time of 10.15 seconds, while the men’s 4×100 relay posted its fastest time in three decades to move to No. 2 in program history. The Redbirds scored points across every event area—sprints, jumps, throws, distance events, and multis—and overcame a day-one deficit by closing with 151.5 points to defeat Northern Iowa by 26.5 points.
West was recognized after leading Illinois State’s jumps and multis group to score 59.5 team points at conference championships in his first season with the program. “I’m really fortunate to have such a talented and driven group,” said West. “This award is really just a testament to the work they have put in going all the way back to the fall. I can’t say enough good things about this group, and I’m so proud to be their coach.” His athletes included two individual champions—Voldy Makabu (high jump), who also earned Freshman of the Year honors, Victor Byaundaombe (triple jump)—and five All-MVC performances.
Illinois State Redbirds compete in NCAA Division I events across various regions; it is linked to Illinois State University; benefits from resources such as news updates for fans; utilizes facilities like OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Center; supports competitiveness through initiatives like Redbird Athletics Excellence Fund; offers news coverage on sports including an eight-win start for its men’s basketball team—all according to, the official website.
