Men's Track & Field | 6/7/2023 10:08:00 AM
GOODWELL, Okla.Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) is delighted to announce the appointment of Cyrus Hall as the new Head Track & Field Coach for the 2022-2023 season. With a proven track record of success and a wealth of coaching experience, Hall is set to lead the OPSU Track & Field program to new heights.
Hall joined OPSU after serving as the Assistant Track & Field Coach at Drury University, where he was responsible for guiding athletes in sprints, hurdles, jumps, and throws events. His expertise and dedication contributed to the team's success, winning 9 All-Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) awards and seven school records.
Before his tenure at Drury University, Hall, he significantly shaped the track and field program at Lewis-Clark State College (LC State) in Lewiston, Idaho. As an assistant coach, Hall was instrumental in transforming LC State into a Top 25 program. He oversaw sprints, hurdles, jumps, combined events, and strength and conditioning for track and field. Under his guidance, the team achieved outstanding results, breaking 45 school records and producing 24 NAIA All-Americans.
Hall coached two national champions, Tyler Blakeley (men's high jump) and Leon Menten (men's javelin). Additionally, 31 of Hall's former athletes were honored as NAIA Scholar-Athletes.
Hall's coaching journey includes a stint as a Graduate Assistant at Emporia State University, where he contributed to the success of the team's long jump, triple jump, sprints, hurdles, and combined events. His expertise resulted in 11 NCAA Division II national qualifiers and 8 NCAA Division II All-Americans.
In addition to his coaching experience, Hall has held coaching positions at Pratt Community College and Sterling College. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Sterling College and a Master of Science degree in Health, Education, and Recreation from Emporia State University. Furthermore, Hall has earned certifications as a USATF Level 1 coach, USTFCCCA Technical Event Certified, and USTFCCCA Strength & Conditioning Certified.
President of OPSU, Dr. Dinger, expressed her excitement about the new appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Cyrus Hall to Oklahoma Panhandle State University. His culture of success and his commitment to developing student-athletes align perfectly with our university's values. We believe Coach Hall will bring a new level of excellence to our Track & Field program and help our student-athletes excel both on and off the field."
Athletic Director Victor Esparza echoed Dr. Dinger's sentiments, saying, "Cyrus Hall is an exceptional addition to our coaching staff. His proven ability to develop athletes, his knowledge of the sport, and his dedication to the student-athlete experience make him the ideal candidate to lead our Track & Field program. We look forward to the positive impact Coach Hall will have on our student-athletes and the continued success of OPSU athletics."
OPSU is thrilled to welcome Coach Cyrus Hall to the Aggies family, and we are confident that his leadership, experience, and passion for the sport will inspire and guide our student-athletes to achieve their fullest potential.
Hall shared" "I'd like to thank Dr. Dinger, Victor Esparza, and the rest of the search committee for the opportunity to lead the Cross Country/Track and Field programs at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. I am humbled and honored to be entrusted with this position. I was very impressed with the campus, the community, and their vision for OPSU and its athletics programs. "Coach James did a great job of establishing this program from the ground up, and I am excited to continue to build upon the foundation that she laid down to help grow Aggie Cross Country/Track and Field into a successful program in the Sooner Athletic Conference as well as the NAIA."
