Hardy to take Reigns of Track & Field Programs
Former Assistant and NAU Alumnus Named Head Coach for Cross Country, Track &
Field
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- J.W. Hardy, assistant coach for the Lumberjacks, was named
head coach of the men's and women's cross country and track and field program
at Northern Arizona University, interim Athletics Director Dave Brown
announced Monday. Hardy becomes just the third person to lead the NAU track
and field program since 1968, replacing long-time coaching legend Ron Mann,
who steps down on July 1 to head the U.S. Olympic Development running program
at the High Altitude Sports Training Center in Flagstaff.
"J.W. Hardy is a quality individual and coach who has been associated with the
development of the programs at NAU," said Brown. "We are excited to have him
lead our cross country and track and field programs and look forward to the
future under his leadership.
Hardy has spent the past seven seasons in Flagstaff, as an assistant coach and
recruiting coordinator for the Lumberjacks' program. During his stay with
Northern Arizona, he has coached 50 Big Sky Conference champions and 12
national qualifiers. In addition, eight NAU records have fallen under Hardy's
tutelage. Notable athletes benefitting from Hardy's expertise include 2003
World Championships long jump finalist Victor Castillo and 2000 Olympian
Samantha George. Prior to his arrival at NAU, Hardy coached the sprints and
horizontal jumps at Alhambra High School. Alhambra won two division titles,
finished second at the Arizona State Championships and had five athletes
receive all-state honors throughout Hardy's three-year stint with the program.
Hardy was a four-year letterman at Northern Arizona from 1989-1993. A
three-time all-american, and seven-time Big Sky Conference champion, Hardy was
a member of both 4x400-meter relay squads that set the existing program
records. The Lumberjacks won seven of eight possible conference team titles
during his four years of competition.
"As a graduate and former student-athlete at NAU, I am extremely excited to
have the opportunity to lead a program that has been such a big part of my
life," said Hardy. "I'm approaching this first year with the attitude of carry
on the tradition that has been set. But certainly, I believe this program can
continue to get better. I want to assemble the necessary staff and move
forward with solid recruiting to help continue our national prominence in
cross country and track and field.
The Lumberjacks track and field teams will conclude the 2004 outdoor season at
the NCAA Championships in Austin, Texas, June 10-13. Seven student-athletes
are scheduled to represent NAU.