WICHITA- Newman Athletics has announced the appointment of Derrick Young Jr as its first Director of Track and Field/Cross Country on Friday morning.

Young joins the Jets following a successful tenure as an assistant coach for sprints and hurdles at UNC Pembroke. Young Jr's coaching career includes a series of impactful roles prior to his new position at Newman. At UNC Pembroke, he contributed to the team's notable finishes at the Conference Carolinas Outdoor Championships and during the indoor season. 

"I'm excited to work under Mr. Kenyon Spears who is a well known leader and professional in athletics," said Derrick Young Jr. "The first conversation I had with him I could tell he was passionate about Newman and taking it to new heights. I also love providing students and athletes with an opportunity to pursue their aspirations in cross country and track and field on the collegiate level."

Before his time at University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Young Jr was instrumental in reviving the track and field program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University after a 27-year hiatus. In two seasons, he recruited and signed 120 athletes, helping the program earn multiple conference accolades and NCAA Division II provisional qualifying standards.

Previously, he spent four seasons at Bemidji State University, where he developed multiple nationally ranked student-athletes. He coached eight athletes who achieved NCAA provisional marks in the sprints, oversaw 13 school records and 80 personal records, and guided one student-athlete to a NCAA Division II National Championship qualification.

"We are excited to announce Derrick as our Director of Track & Field/Cross Country coach, " said Athletic Director Kenyon Spears. "He has been described as a 'tireless, high-energy coach' that will recruit student-athletes to fit our Newman vision for short and long term success."

Young Jr spent one season as the head coach of the track & field and cross country programs at Salem International University.

Prior to his time at Salem International, Young Jr served two seasons as an assistant coach at Notre Dame College, where he coached six conference champions and three All-Region performers. He also helped establish 15 new school records and guided ten student-athletes to NCAA provisional qualifying marks.

"His coaching connections along with his experience with building programs, came to the forefront during our process," said Spears. We look forward to having him join our Newman family with starting the track and field program, which also will provide an exciting opportunity for our current cross country student-athletes as well."

Young Jr began his coaching career at his alma mater, Tiffin University, serving one season as an assistant coach. During his time with the Dragons, he helped oversee 20 conference champions, ten All-Americans, and two national champions.

"My relationship with Christ is everything to me, so people can expect a leader who is driven by faith with purpose," said Young Jr. "I will work hard to create a culture of excellence in the classroom and community. We also will breed champions, all regional athletes, and All-Americans out of the MIAA conference. Newman will become a force to be reckoned with immediately. Coach McVicar has done an amazing job with cross country the last few years. I'm excited to see what we can build by adding track and field as well."

In addition to his coaching achievements, Young Jr holds a bachelor's degree in business and a master's degree in sports management from Tiffin University, where he also competed as an All-Region sprinter. His athletic experience extends to Kentucky State University, where he was part of a nationally ranked 4x100m relay team.

"Thank you to the search committee and Dr. Jagger for entrusting me to build and lead our Cross Country and Track and Field teams," said Young Jr. "I'm humbled by this opportunity and we will work hard to make our community proud."