ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Cooper Cerese was named the Missouri Valley Conference Field Athlete of the Week, the league announced on Wednesday.

Cerese continued his stellar 2026 season in Madison with a runner-up nod in the men's shot put at the Badger Challenge. Cerese, who finished behind only unattached competitor Jason Swarens, had now led the MVC shot put five times this season. He put up the highest nationally ranked male throwing effort in the league this week. Cerese is now tied for 47th nationally, 21st on the West qualifying list, and fourth in the Midwest region.

Cerese and the Bulldogs will be back in action in a couple of days with the Cyclone Twilight from Ames, Iowa this Friday, May 8. 

MVC Track & Field Weekly Awards - May 6
Men's Track Athlete of the Week - Parker Kiewiet, UNI
Men's Field Athlete of the Week - Cooper Cerese, Drake
Women's Track Athlete of the Week - Rachel Mehringer, Indiana State
Women's Field Athlete of the Week - Aliseonna Garnet, Indiana State