Bulldogs Hire Mike Schmidt as Head Track & Field Coach
Bulldogs Hire Mike Schmidt as Head Track & Field Coach
After a nationwide search, the University of
Redlands announces the hiring of Mike Schmidt as the new Head Track
& Field Coach. He joins the Bulldog staff with extensive
Division III experience, both as a coach and as a student-athlete.
Schmidt comes to Redlands from Oneonta State in New York, where he
has served as the Head Track & Field Coach and Assistant Cross
Country Coach.
"The recent success of our programs and the excellent reputation of
our institution provided us with a very strong candidate pool and
Coach Schmidt was clearly our top choice," commented Director of
Athletics Jeff Martinez. "He brings excellent experience and
knowledge to our track & field programs and we are excited for
him to join us. I am confident in his leadership abilities, and his
commitment to the intercollegiate student-athlete experience makes
him another great fit for Bulldog Athletics and our
institution."
Since 2003, Schmidt has worked at Oneonta State, originally as the
Associate Head Coach of Track & Field and Cross Country. After
three successful years, he became the Head Coach of Track &
Field and continued to work as an assistant coach with the cross
country programs. During his tenure with the Red Dragons, Schmidt
has coached 17 All-American performances among nine
student-athletes to go along with three conference team
championships, 49 individual titles and 14 relay championships.
Beyond his coaching responsibilities, Schmidt brings excellent
experience as an instructor in health and physical education.
Prior to Oneonta, Schmidt worked with the pole-vaulters and
throwers at Frostburg State University in Maryland. He also moved
up the ranks from assistant coach to head coach of track &
field and cross country at SUNY New Paltz. He helped improve the
men's cross country program from seventh place to second place in
his first year as Head Coach.
Schmidt considers himself a committed student of the sport and
avidly attends teaching seminars to further his knowledge. He is a
certified strength and conditioning specialist and holds USATF
Level III certification for jumps.
"I am excited for the chance to join the University of Redlands
family; I am very impressed with the student-athletes, coaches and
facilities," stated Schmidt. "My goal is to continue the tradition
of excellence in athletics and academics that is already
established in Bulldog Track & Field. I look forward to working
with some of the best student-athletes in Division III."
As a student, Schmidt completed his Bachelor of Science from
Plattsburgh State University while competing in track &
field.
Schmidt replaces former Head Coach Mike Erb, who accepted an
opportunity with Marquette University. Schmidt will arrive at the
University of Redlands on October 29.
