Michael Mendez Named Interim Cross Country/Track and Field Head Coach at McKendree
Sunday, September 30 2012http://mckbearcats.com/news/2012/9/28/MXC_0928125547.aspx?path=mcross
Michael Mendez Named Interim Cross Country/Track and Field Head Coach at McKendree
9/28/2012 2:53:00 PM
(LEBANON, Ill., Sept. 28)—McKendree University director of athletics Chuck Brueggemann has named Michael Mendez to serve as the interim cross country and track and field coach for the Bearcats' men's and women's programs. Mendez replaces Neal West, who resigned recently for personal reasons.
“We are excited to have Mike come in and fill this position on our coaching staff,” said Brueggemann. “His familiarity with our student-athletes and program are very valuable at this critical stage of our seasons. Mike was an accomplished runner and student while at McKendree, and we look for that drive and determination to transition into the coaching ranks.”
Mendez, a native of Plainfield, Ill., is no stranger to the McKendree programs. He was a four-year letterman in both cross country and track and field for the Bearcats. Mendez enjoyed a productive career while wearing a McKendree uniform. He was a five-time NAIA All-American in track and field, which included three times in the 4 x 800-meter relay – twice in outdoor competition and once at the indoor meet. Mendez was also part of two consecutive All-America efforts in the indoor distance medley relay.
In cross country, Mendez was a four-year All-Conference runner when McKendree competed in the American Midwest Conference. He played a key role in the Bearcats' 2009 AMC championship squad that qualified for the NAIA National Championship. Academically, Mendez was an NAIA Scholar-Athlete in both cross country and track and field.
“This is probably the most amazing opportunity to happen to me,” said Mendez. “I feel like our program is in a position to flourish in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and in NCAA Division II. We have some great student-athletes in this program and they are ready to help us make our mark at the next level.”
Prior to being named at McKendree, Mendez gained coaching experience as an assistant at Plainfield North High School. A 2010 graduate of McKendree, Mendez is also completing requirements for his master's degree from Eastern Illinois University.
“As a team, we are committed to maintaining excellence in character, education and athletic performance,” said Mendez. We cheer our teammates, we pick them up when they fall. This is a family we have here within our program.”
The McKendree cross country teams will race on Saturday at the Greater Louisville Classic in Kentucky. The squads will have two more races in the 2012 fall season: Oct. 6 at the Rose-Hulman Pre-Nationals in Terre Haute, Ind., followed by the GLVC Championships on Oct. 20 in Springfield, Mo.
“We are excited to have Mike come in and fill this position on our coaching staff,” said Brueggemann. “His familiarity with our student-athletes and program are very valuable at this critical stage of our seasons. Mike was an accomplished runner and student while at McKendree, and we look for that drive and determination to transition into the coaching ranks.”
Mendez, a native of Plainfield, Ill., is no stranger to the McKendree programs. He was a four-year letterman in both cross country and track and field for the Bearcats. Mendez enjoyed a productive career while wearing a McKendree uniform. He was a five-time NAIA All-American in track and field, which included three times in the 4 x 800-meter relay – twice in outdoor competition and once at the indoor meet. Mendez was also part of two consecutive All-America efforts in the indoor distance medley relay.
In cross country, Mendez was a four-year All-Conference runner when McKendree competed in the American Midwest Conference. He played a key role in the Bearcats' 2009 AMC championship squad that qualified for the NAIA National Championship. Academically, Mendez was an NAIA Scholar-Athlete in both cross country and track and field.
“This is probably the most amazing opportunity to happen to me,” said Mendez. “I feel like our program is in a position to flourish in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and in NCAA Division II. We have some great student-athletes in this program and they are ready to help us make our mark at the next level.”
Prior to being named at McKendree, Mendez gained coaching experience as an assistant at Plainfield North High School. A 2010 graduate of McKendree, Mendez is also completing requirements for his master's degree from Eastern Illinois University.
“As a team, we are committed to maintaining excellence in character, education and athletic performance,” said Mendez. We cheer our teammates, we pick them up when they fall. This is a family we have here within our program.”
The McKendree cross country teams will race on Saturday at the Greater Louisville Classic in Kentucky. The squads will have two more races in the 2012 fall season: Oct. 6 at the Rose-Hulman Pre-Nationals in Terre Haute, Ind., followed by the GLVC Championships on Oct. 20 in Springfield, Mo.