NEW ORLEANS, La. - Centre College sophomore John Kieffer and Colorado College senior Jackson Brainerd were named the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NCAA Division III regional athletes of the year in their respective regions.

Kieffer, a sophomore from Dublin, Ohio, won the South/Southeast region by nine seconds, placing ahead of Roanoke’s Tim Smith. He also was the individual runner-up at the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship meet last month, leading Centre to a second-place overall finish.

Brainerd, a senior from Littleton, Colo., Brainerd was the West’s winner by six seconds. Brainerd led his team to their third-straight SCAC league title with his third-straight individual conference crown.

For the entire list of 2011 USTFCCCA regional athletes and coaches of the year, click here.