FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (December 24, 2018) – Northern Arizona University has hired a new head jumps coach,
Matthew Harmeyer. Harmeyer joins the Lumberjack coaching staff having spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich.
"We're thrilled to bring
Matthew Harmeyer to the NAU track & field coaching staff," said director of cross country and track & field
Michael Smith. "During our search for this additional coach, we were looking for creative thinkers who put relationships first when working with student athletes and staff, and who were passionate about not just competing but developing. We found those in Matt as well as an eagerness to contribute in as many ways possible to the overall operation of such a big program like ours."
Harmeyer primarily worked with the sprints, jumps and hurdles squads for the Golden Eagles.
Prior to Cornerstone, he got his coaching career started at his alma mater, Iowa State, as a volunteer from 2013-2015. He assisted with the jumps, throws and multis, guiding them to 25 All-Big 12 honors, two conference champions, a two-time NCAA National Champion and six All-Americans.
During his time as an athlete at Iowa State he was a multi-event competitor in the decathlon and 400 hurdles events.
He holds certifications from the USTFCCCA in sprints, hurdles, jumps. and collegiate head coaching.
"I want to thank Coach Smith for this opportunity to return to the NCAA Division I level to work with elite athletes and be part of the NAU track & field family," added Harmeyer. "Throughout the interview process, I could tell that I was joining a tremendous staff that shares the same visions and goals I foresee for this program. We have great support from administration and I look forward to building upon past and current success!"
Harmeyer will become the third new coach that the Lumberjacks track & field program has added this season. He will join head sprints coach
Alan Dunson and head throws coach
Jason Schutz as a first year Lumberjack.
"Coach Harmeyer's hire completes an already dynamic NAU track & field staff which we feel is poised to carry on the legacy of this program in the Big Sky and nationally," concluded Smith. "The jumps program has seen strong success in 2018 and we look to now build upon that success, deepen that roster, and look to a new vision ahead."
NAU started the indoor season earlier than normal, having sent a small group of athletes to compete in the Bobcat Preview hosted by conference rival Montana State on December 1
st. The jumps team did not make the trip.
The Lumberjack men's and women's indoor teams were each selected as the top team in the Big Sky Conference Coaches' Preseason Poll.
The NAU track & field indoor season will continue January 11
th when it hosts Friday Night Duals at the SkyDome at 3 p.m. (MST).
