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Dr. MIKE COLLINS - Head Coach

Coach Collins enters his 8th year at the helm of the Warrior running program.  In that time he has taken a program that scrambled to just field teams to one of the nation's premier distance running programs.  In the past five years the teams have produced 21 All-Americans, multiple All-Conference and All-Region selections and numerous other recognitions including awards within the college such as outstanding student of the year (2003 & 2001).  In 2001 the women's xc team finished 15th at the national championships and in 2002 they improved to #9 in the country and in 2003, with a team of mostly freshman, finished 19th.  In addition, 2003 was the first year an entire men's team qualified for nationals finishing 23rd..

Coach Collins prides himself on staying on top of the current science and education involved in becoming a better coach as well as the aspects necessary to help runners get better and faster.  Not only does Coach Collins have a master's degree in Exercise Physiology and a Ph.D. in Sport Science, he is also a USATF Level II Coach with a specialization in endurance.  Although he has worked hard to make himself better to better assist his runners, he stills believes that any athlete that works hard and is smart about their training can get faster.  A big part of his job as coach is to guide his runners and help them to become as fast as they can be.

In his spare time, Dr. Collins does triathlons.  He has qualified for the US National Championships for the past five years and will be competing in his first Ironman (2.4m swim/112m bike/26.2m run) next June.  He also enjoys fly fishing and spending quality time with his wife (Tracy), his daughters (Kassie & Emily) and the big brown dog (Einstein).

Coach Collins Comment:  "I enjoy coaching here in Lewiston and love the climate where I can run outside year-round and still enjoy the other activities that are important to me like fishing, cycling, etc...  This is a great community to live in and raise a family."

 

TRACY COLLINS - Head Assistant

Tracy has acted as an assistant coach since the very beginning of the program and was instrumental in convincing her husband to come in and coach the team.  As the athletic department's head trainer, she sees and treats the injuries of all athletes at the college, including those of the warrior runners.  She plays a major role in the development of the cross country scholarship program, where individual's and businesses contribute money to the team to be used for student-athlete school costs.  She also does many of the other administrative duties that help to keep the program moving in the right direction.  

Tracy was also a runner in college where she ran for Boise State University.  However, she takes a lot of kidding from her husband and the team at times because she was a sprinter competing primarily in the 100, 200 and relays.  Kidding primarily about how sprinters only deal with pain for mere seconds, compared to middle and long distance runner.  She still holds six records at Lewiston High school, including 11.93 100 meters and 24.97 200 meters.

 

JOE DONNELLON - Student Assistant

Joe returns for his fifth year at Lewis-Clark State to finish up final classes before heading to medical school.  Joe has been one of the most accomplished and consistent members of the cross country team over the past four year.  He still hold the fastest 8K time in school history at 25:04, along with 7 of the top 9 times ever posted by an LCSC runner over this distance.  His experience and attitude will undoubtedly help this year's men's team in its goal to return to the national meet and improve upon last year's performance.

 

PAM HOUSTON - Student Assistant

Pam also returns for her fifth year at Lewis-Clark State to complete her student-teaching.  Pam has had tremendous development throughout her career including battling back from stress fractures.  Currently she has qualified for the NAIA Track National Championships in the Marathon and still has track eligibility remaining for next year.  Her experience in running in two cross country national championships along with track and her outgoing, bouncy personality will continue to help the women's team in its efforts to win a national title.

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