Ashford University announced the appointment of Tyson Graham as the university's new Track and Field and Cross Country Coach, and Chris Adams as a graduate assistant for both programs. Graham will revive the Cross Country programs this fall, while also taking over the Track and Field programs which competed for the first time in 2008 after a year's hiatus.

Graham, a native of Brooklyn, Iowa, brings a successful coaching background to the Saints' programs. His most recent position was as Head Girls' Cross Country Coach/Assistant Track and Field Coach at Nature Coast Tech High School in Brooksville, FL. Serving as a physical education and health instructor at Brooksville Elementary, Graham started the High School Cross Country teams from scratch. He improved participation numbers from 3 to 33 in just one year at the helm. Other experiences include coaching at BGM Community Schools in Brooklyn, IA, Northern University Schools in Cedar Falls, IA, and Grace Christian Schools in Hudson, FL.

"The passion and energy Coach Graham has for the sports of Cross Country and Track and Field were evident from the first conversation I had with him," stated AU Athletics Director Meg Schebler. "In the interview process, he displayed genuine care and concern for his athletes while striving to get their best efforts athletically and academically. He is a great fit for Ashford University."

Graham excelled in the distances while participating at BGM High School, earning team MVP honors in both sports, and qualified for the Iowa State Cross Country and Track and Field Meets. He participated in Cross Country and Track and Field at Northwestern College in Orange City, IA, graduating in 2004. He then pursued a second degree at the University of Northern Iowa and ran with the UNI Track Club in 2006.  He now enjoys running marathons and ultra-marathons.

 "This is truly a dream come true," Graham said while talking about his new position. "I hope to build a solid and successful distance program at Ashford University while continuing to improve the track & field program, building on the successes that Coach Thompson started. Hopefully we can shock a lot of people by our performances this upcoming year."

 With solid experience in the distances, Coach Graham has also established himself as a leader in the jumps disciplines as well. Student-athletes from all over the county sought his expertise in preparation for the Florida State Track and Field Meet. Graham said, "It was flattering to have so many coaches recommend me as a coach. I owe a lot to the athletes at Nature Coast Tech who performed so well in both Cross Country and Track. I am currently studying pole vault in hopes to become more knowledgeable in that event." Schebler commented, "Coach Graham has shown to be a ‘student' of his sport, constantly striving to better himself. I am really drawn to the level of excitement he displayed when accepting the head coaching position." Graham will assume his duties in July.

His assistant, Chris Adams most recently served as the Assistant Track and Field Coach at Assumption High School in Davenport. While there, the Knights' Girl's Track team finished second at the 2008 State Track Meet.

 Adams, a native of Quincy, Illinois, was a four-year letter winner at Western Illinois University, participating for the NCAA Division I track and field program. While there, he was a seven-time NCAA Regional Qualifier in sprint and relay events. Upon completion of his eligibility, Adams served as an Assistant Track Coach for the Leathernecks. He was also a member of the University's Dean's List and received his Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Management in May 2006.

 "Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong desire for success to the programs. He is extremely talented and will work well with our student-athletes. I'm thrilled to have someone of his caliber joining our staff," Schebler stated.

 Adams is looking forward to his new role. "I am excited about the possibilities and challenges associated with the position.  My hope is to exhibit the same success on the track as the student-athletes have shown in the classroom."

Adams will assume his coaching duties on August 1, 2008.

While the Cross Country team will look to show improvement throughout their first season, Graham will be coming to Clinton with a cupboard full of track and field veterans. Led on the men's side by Franklin Barnes and Caleb Snyder, both NAIA National qualifiers, the team finished fourth in the MCC Conference in their first year out of the blocks. Geoffrey Chepkwony and Andrew Drinkall will also return in the middle distances for the Saints. The women's team returns veterans Lanna Bartko and Alexis Turner, as well as Holly Maskell and Kelsay McCausland, both of whom had shortened 2008 seasons due to injuries. Tara Van Zuiden was a 3^rd place finisher in two events at the MCC Championships as well. With an incoming class to complement the returners, both programs hope to continue to make an impact on the Midwest Collegiate Conference.