SEARCY, Ark. – Harding University athletics is proud to announce that Vlad Malykhin (Track and Field), Braden Jay (Football), and Josie Parks (Track and Field/Cross Country) have been named the recipients of the 2026 Berryhill Award.
The Berryhill Award, named in honor of former legendary coach and athletic director M.E. Berryhill, is the highest honor bestowed upon a Harding senior athlete. It recognizes those who best exemplify excellence in athletic competition, academic integrity, and character.
Vlad Malykhin | Men's Track and Field
Vlad Malykhin concludes his career as arguably the most decorated student-athlete in the history of Harding Athletics. A native of Shostka, Ukraine, Malykhin recently cemented his legacy by winning his fourth career Great American Conference pole vault championship.
On the national stage, Malykhin is a seven-time NCAA Division II National Champion in the pole vault. He holds the Harding and GAC all-time records with a career-best clearance of 5.71m (18-08.75)—a mark that garnered national attention and solidified his status as a consensus First Team All-American in every season of his career.
Braden Jay | Football
A local legend from nearby Cabot High School, Braden Jay is one of the most explosive playmakers to ever wear a Harding football uniform. Jay stands as college football's all-time leader in average yards per rush (12.04)—statistical proof of his ability to turn any touch into a touchdown.
He scored a touchdown once every 6.1 times he touched the football. Jay leaves the program ranked 2nd all-time in total touchdowns (60), 3rd in rushing yards (3,962) and 3rd in all-purpose yards (5,005).
Josie Parks | Women's Track and Field / Cross Country
A native of Columbia, Tennessee, Parks concludes her career as the quintessential "distance specialist" for the Lady Bisons.
Parks recently reached a new career milestone by winning the 2026 GAC 3,000-meter steeplechase championship, just one year after capturing the 1,500-meter conference title. In 2026, Parks set the school record in the steeplechase with a time of 10:29.96. She is currently ranked No. 9 in the nation in the event.
In addition to her performances on the track, Josie is also a two-time First Team All-GAC honoree in cross-country, placing eighth in the GAC meet each of the last two seasons.
Congratulations to Vlad, Braden, and Josie! Go Bisons!
