Horizon League Unveils 2026 Outdoor #HLTF Sportsmanship Award Winners
Rachel White
INDIANAPOLIS (May 28, 2026) – The Horizon League announced our 2026 Outdoor #HLTF Sportsmanship Award winners on Thursday, voted on by the League’s head coaches.
Detroit Mercy’s Anthony Yip and Northern Kentucky’s Colton O’Hara were selected as the Men’s Sportsmanship Award winners while Gabriela Gashaj represents the Titans as the Women’s Sportsmanship Award recipient.
Dig Deeper:
- “Anthony is always a great spirit at every meet, watching and cheering for his teammates, as well as others. This year, due to a University hiring freeze, the unit was without a throws coach, and he essentially became the throws coach, organizing practices and helping the young throwers get acclimated to college,” shared Detroit Mercy Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Guy Murray.
- “Colton is not one to collapse at the finish line rather he is the first to congratulate his fellow participants as they cross the line whether he knows them or not. Many times, it is said that the distance runner can be lonely and enjoys the solitude of the sport – this is certainly not the case with Colton as he’ll warm-up & cool-down with the opposition or teammates. He truly understands that not everyone can cross the line first however the opposition should be respected,” commented NKU Track & Field and Cross Country Head Coach Steve Kruse.
- “Gabby is a great person, on and off the track. She works hard and is so positive toward her teammates and opponents, even when her performance is not where she wants it to be. In the outdoor season, she finally hit the podium and was so appreciative of the coaches, teammates, and opponents,” stated Murray.
- The Sportsmanship Award recognizes student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through demonstrated acts of sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
- Sportsmanship is defined as behavior exhibited during competition by student-athletes based on values, respect and integrity.
2026 Men’s Outdoor #HLTF Sportsmanship Award Winners
Anthony Yip, Detroit Mercy & Colton O’Hara, Northern Kentucky
2026 Men’s Outdoor #HLTF Sportsmanship Finalists
Anthony Yip, Detroit Mercy*
Colton O’Hara, Northern Kentucky*
Logan Detweiler, Oakland
Tyler Hess, Purdue Fort Wayne
2026 Women’s Outdoor #HLTF Sportsmanship Award Winner
Gabriela Gashaj, Detroit Mercy
2026 Women’s Outdoor #HLTF Sportsmanship Finalists
Gabriela Gashaj, Detroit Mercy*
Paige Schulte, IU Indy
Olivia VanZeeland, Milwaukee
Macie Radcliffe, Northern Kentucky
Jamie Giese, Oakland
Bella Hodges, Purdue Fort Wayne
Maizee Fry, RMU