On May 22nd, 2026, the NCAA Division II Committee on Infractions released a negotiated resolution on a case involving the WTAMU Cross Country and Track & Field program.
Throughout the process, West Texas A&M University collaborated closely with the enforcement staff to establish facts and to enact corrective measures.
In its decision, the COI determined violations of NCAA rules occurred within the Cross Country and Track & Field program when the current track and field director and head cross country coach, unknowingly provided impermissible benefits to four international student-athletes in the form of groceries and housing five days earlier than allowable to participate in preseason practice.
Specifically, between August 14-19
, 2024 the current track and field director and head cross country coach unknowingly provided impermissible benefits to four international student-athletes that were in need of food and housing five days earlier than allowable to participate in preseason practice.
As a result of these violations, the COI imposed the following penalties:
• One year of probation (May 22, 2026 - May 21, 2027)
• One year show-cause for Track & Field Director Matt Stewart and Head Coach Zach Daniel (May 22, 2026 - May 21, 2027)
• Suspension for 10% of contests for both coaches (already served in the 2025-2026 season)
• A $10,000 fine
• Comprehensive rules education for athletic department staff and coaches regarding extra benefits for student-athletes.
• Inform prospective student-athletes in the cross country and track & field program in writing of the infraction
• Public reprimand and censure through the release of the public infractions decision
WTAMU athletics has used this situation to enhance its compliance systems and processes, and to improve compliance education to ensure adherence to NCAA rules going forward.
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