ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Horizon League announced Wednesday that Oakland's Ja-Van Poole has been named the 2026 #HLTF Outdoor Alfreeda Goff Men's Athlete of the Year, marking the second consecutive season he has earned the conference's top individual honor.

With the honor, Poole becomes just the third athlete in Horizon League history to win the award in back-to-back seasons.

Poole has put together one of the most dominant seasons in the nation in the hurdles, establishing himself as the premier 400m hurdler in the Horizon League and one of the fastest athletes in the country. He currently owns the conference's top 400m hurdles time at 49.80, a mark that stands more than three seconds ahead of the next-fastest competitor in the league. His school-record performance also ranks ninth nationally this season.

In addition to his dominance in the 400m hurdles, Poole has also excelled in the 110m hurdles, posting the fourth-fastest time in the Horizon League this year at 14.40 seconds.

Throughout the outdoor campaign, Poole has consistently delivered standout performances for the Golden Grizzlies, earning Horizon League Men's Runner of the Week honors twice during the season. His performances have helped Oakland remain among the conference's top programs heading into championship competition.

By securing the Alfreeda Goff Men's Athlete of the Year award for a second straight year, Poole continues to cement his place among the Horizon League's all-time greats while adding another historic accomplishment to his decorated career at Oakland.