Dec. 23, 2005

With a long list of elite positions held in the world of distance running already to his credit, Malone College men's and women's cross country coach Jack Hazen has added yet another one to his extensive resume. 

Hazen was recently announced as the Head Distance Coach for the United States for the 2005 World Track & Field Championships in Helsinki, Finland.  And this one could perhaps be his most relished assignment as it opens the door to potentially earning a spot as an Olympic coach as only those who have been selected as a head coach for the World Championships can serve as an Olympic coach.

Hazen will be in charge of all U.S. distance athletes from the 800 meters on through the marathon, approximately 25 world class athletes who must qualify for the World Championships by placing in the top three in their respective events at the U.S. Championships in the summer of 2005.  Each must also meet the minimum "A" standard as determined by the World Championships in order to compete at the Worlds. 

This current honor is Hazen's fourth international coaching assignment as he was also named as the U.S.A.'s Head Coach at the World Championships for Cross Country in 1992 (Boston) and in 1996 (Capetown, South Africa) and as the Head Manager at the Junior Pan American Games in 1999 (Tampa, FL).

Hazen was also on the Competition Management Team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics overseeing numerous international athletes and also served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic Sports Festival in St. Louis in 1994.  In addition, he is a member of the Board of Directors for U.S.A. Track & Field along with notable world class athletes such as Jackie Joyner Kersey.

"This was a total surprise," commented Hazen on his latest selection.  "I'd always hoped that perhaps I'd have a chance to coach in the Olympics someday but never really thought I'd have the chance.  This tremendous honor at least keeps that dream alive for me."