KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae and the Western Michigan University cross country and track and field programs have announced the hiring of a head coach, with
Kevin Cataldo set to guide the program moving forward.
Cataldo came to WMU as an assistant coach in March 2022 after serving in the same position at Southern Illinois for six seasons. He was then named the interim head coach in August 2022.
"In a short year, Coach Cataldo has made tremendous strides in establishing a championship culture within our cross country and track programs," Bartholomae said. "During that time, he has overseen a dramatic turnaround in cross country, and recruited and crowned our first MAC track champion since 2019. Additionally his program is among our leaders in team GPA and was nationally recognized this year for their service to the local community. As we considered the national landscape and our desire to elevate the experience of the young women in our program, it was clear our next leader was already right here in Kalamazoo."
WMU has seen impressive results in Cataldo's short time with the program. During cross country season, Western Michigan saw its highest Mid-American Conference finish in nearly five years. WMU placed fifth, which was its best finish since the 2018 campaign. Additionally, for the first time in program history, WMU had two First Team All-MAC performers at the MAC Cross Country Championships (
Makayla Perez &
Kayla Schiera).
During indoor track and field season, Cataldo continued his momentum by guiding the team to its highest point total at the MAC Indoor Track and Field Championships since the 2019 season. Furthermore, Cataldo helped Perez become the first Bronco since 2019 to become a First Team All-MAC honoree in track and field.
Grace Johnson earned second team honors as well.
Prior to his arrival at WMU, Cataldo was instrumental in the success of the Southern Illinois program. With the Salukis he helped coach three conference title winners and two runners-up, three NCAA Regional qualifiers, and saw three of his student-athletes earn First Team All-Conference honors. He also coached
Kayla Schiera, who broke two program records in the 3,000-meter and 5,000-meter runs and was named the MVC Outdoor Track & Field Freshman of the Year.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Oakland University and a Masters of Arts with a Certificate in Sports Coaching and Leadership from Michigan State. Cataldo also holds a USTFCCCA Strength and Conditioning certification.
"I am beyond excited for this opportunity. I want to thank Dan Bartholomae for his belief in me and this program," Cataldo said. "My sport administrators, Julian Jones and Keanah Smith, for their guidance over the course of this last year. I should also thank my mentors as well as my staff, Josiah and Kayleigh, and support staff for all of their assistance. Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my wife, Jessica, for all of her support. This past year was a whirlwind and she was my biggest supporter and the reason why I am able to be in this position today.
It really is a dream come true to be back in my home state and leading Western Michigan University. I believe this program is capable of so much. A lot was asked of this current roster this past year and they rose to the occasion and created a culture we will build off of. We are going to make the climb to the top of the conference and into national recognition. It's a great day to be a Bronco!"
