WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – University of Hartford cross country and track & field coach Roger Busch has announced the hiring of Richard Warren. Warren joins the Hawks' coaching staff as an assistant coach for track and field and will oversee the sprints, hurdles, and jumps.
Warren spent the last four years at Ohio State University, where his primarily responsibility was working with the Buckeyes' high jumpers. He also assisted with the team's multi-events. Under Warren's guidance, 10 student-athletes achieved personal bests in the high jump and multi-events.
"I brought Richard out to West Hartford because he has experience at many levels of coaching, from high school, to NAIA, to the Big 10," Busch declared. "He is an excellent technician in the jumping events and works extremely well with the young student-athletes. Richard's commitment to the sport of track and field is top notch."
In his final season at Ohio State in 2014-15, Warren piloted four Buckeye jumpers to personal-best marks. Two of those student-athletes capped off that season by earning USTFCCCA Academic All-America honors. Overall, six of Warren's student-athletes scored at Big 10 indoor and outdoor championships while two advanced to the NCAA Regionals.
"I am excited to get Richard on the road recruiting for the University of Hartford track and field program because of his ability to relate with young track and field student-athletes," continued Busch. "He is eager to coach his own group of athletes and is hungry for success. I know he will be an instrumental part of both the growth and the success of Hartford's track and field program."
Prior to landing at Ohio State, Warren coached at Southmont High School in Crawfordsville, Ind. Over the course of seven years, Warren produced four sectional champions and two regional champions in the high jump in addition to five high jump and five long jump regional qualifiers.
Warren and Southmont received national recognition during his time there as Jonathan Christensen finished the 2011 season ranked No. 1 in the nation with a leap of 2.20-meters (7-2.50). In addition to becoming a two-time IATCCC Indoor State champion, a two-time IHSAA State Outdoor champion, and a first-place finisher at the 2011 Midwest Meet of Champions, Christensen broke school, county, conference, sectional, and regional records under Warren's leadership.
Warren competed collegiately at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Ind., before spending one year at Kansas State University. A four-time NCCAA All-American and a two-time NAIA All-American as a high jumper at Bethel, Warren was twice crowned a NCCAA national champion and was also an NAIA national champion. As a rookie, he capped an undefeated freshman season by winning the 2000 NAIA Outdoor National Championship. His high jump mark at Bethel still stands as the program's school record.
A native of Argos, Ind., Warren is a USATF Level I certified coach.
