Western State Named Track & Field Head Coach

Bradford Named Western State Head Track and Field Coach

by Jared Verner, WSC Sports Information Director

GUNNISON, Colo. - Western State Athletic Director Dr. Greg Waggoner is pleased to announce the hiring of Chris Bradford as the new Mountaineer head track and field coach. Bradford spent the last four years as the assistant track and field and cross country coach at Division II Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D.

"I'm extremely excited for this great opportunity," Bradford said. "The tradition and the people at Western make it a unique experience and opportunity and I'm excited to be a part of it."

Bradford coached eight All-Americans and 26 national qualifiers since joining the Vikings' staff as a graduate assistant in 2003. He coached sprinters, jumpers, hurdlers and multi-event athletes while assisting with Augustana's cross country program. He served as the Vikings' recruiting coordinator since 2005.

In his tenure at Augustana, Bradford's athletes broke 12 program records. He was a part of the staff that coached 12 United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Teams.

Bradford established and coordinated the Augustana Sprint and Jump Camps and was working on the planning for a new track and field facility.

Bradford is USATF Level 1 Certified and a member of the USTFCCCA. He was active in the Sioux Falls Park District as a volunteer.

Bradford is a 2002 graduate of Elmhurst (Ill.) College, where he earned a bachelor of science in business administration. He is completing graduate work in education at Augustana.

"We are very excited to have Chris Bradford join the Mountaineer family," Waggoner said. "His enthusiasm, knowledge of track and field and professionalism will help take Mountaineer track and field and Mountaineer athletics to new levels in the coming years."

Bradford steps in for Ryan Baily, who accepted the head track and field position at his alma mater, Chadron State. Bradford begins his official duties Aug. 1.