The future is bright for New York University's track and field programs. While several underclassmen have shined throughout the indoor season, two freshmen stood out at the University Athletic Association Championships held last weekend at Brandeis University.

Daniel McKinney and Kirsten Keller each turned in sterling performances at the meet and were honored as the UAA Rookies of the Year.

“It was a nice award for the two freshmen,” said NYU head coach Nick McDonough.

After posting the fastest time in the 400-meter preliminaries (50.07) on Friday, McKinney ran faster on Saturday (49.83) but was nipped by Alex Greenhouse of Emory University (49.63) for the title. McKinney posted the fourth-fastest time in the 200-meter preliminaries (22.80) on Friday, but moved up to third place (23.22) on Saturday.

McKinney is the men's team first UAA Rookie of the Year honoree since Vincent Zarillo in 2002.

“Dan has had an outstanding season and ran great in his first UAA Championships,” McDonough said. “Being from California, he had never run indoor track before, so he has adapted well and will be looking for an even bigger outdoor season.”

Keller had the Violets' best finish with her third-place showing (17:36.11) in the 5,000 meters. She also posted a personal-best in the 3,000, finishing sixth with a time of 10:23.79.

Keller is the women's team first UAA Rookie of the Year honoree since Lauren Pringle in 2002.

“Kirsten did one of the hardest doubles you can do at the Championships," McDonough explained. "She scored in both events and ran a nice PR in the 3,000 on the second day. Kirsten was the only female freshman to run an NCAA provisional time in any event at the UAA Championships. She is looking forward to a great outdoor campaign.”