New Orleans, La. - In a remarkable moment for the CMU Track and Field program, junior thrower Brayton Stephenson was named the 2025 NAIA Men's Outdoor Track & Field National Scholar Field Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association this week. 

He is just the second athlete in program history to earn the award, and the first athlete on the men's side to be recognized. Renee Finke previously earned national honors as a junior in 2024. 

"Brayton represents everything we strive for at Central Methodist - excellence on the field, in the classroom, and as a person," stated CMU Director of Track & Field/Cross Country, Kenny Anderson. "Being named the National Scholar Field Athlete of the Year is a testament to his relentless work ethic, leadership, and dedication. He's not just a champion in the ring - he's a champion in life."

Stephenson, a native of Harrisburg, Missouri, boasts a 3.6 GPA as a Business major in the classroom. 

He won his second NAIA National title of 2025 at this year's outdoor championships in Marion, Indiana. Stephenson brought home first-place honors in the shot put last May with a school record toss of 18.47 meters. 

This came on the heels of his indoor national championship in the same event in Gainesville, Florida, in March. That marked the first national title for the CMU Men since 2017. 

He was a key piece to the program's Top 15 place finish at indoor nationals as well as sweeping both the indoor and outdoor Heart of America Conference Championships. 

He enters his senior year in 2025-26 as a two-time NAIA All-American. 

To view the release by the USTFCCCA on this year's Scholar Athletes of the Year, please click here.

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