EMPORIA, Kansas (May 25) -- Chris Randolph of Seattle Pacific University has been voted the NCAA Division II field athlete of the year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

Randolph (Sr., Lone Tree, Co./Denver Christian), who was named the West Region's outstanding field performer earlier in the week, won the award on the strength of his top qualifying score in the decathlon, where he is the defending national champion.

In Thursday's first day of the decathlon, Randolph took a surprising lead after five events. The competition concludes Friday.

Randolph's school-record score of 7621 points ranks seventh among collegians from all divisions this season, and he has qualified for the USA Championships next month in Indianapolis.

Among his marks this season have been a school record in the 400 meters, plus No. 2 in the discus, pole vault, 110 hurdles, No. 3 in the long jump and No. 4 in the high jump.

Randolph becomes the Falcons' third national athlete of the year in 2005-06. Earlier, Shannon Lovejoy won in women's soccer and Jaynie Reynolds in gymnastics.