MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris has announced the hiring of Nathan Durkin as the new head coach of UMN Morris track & field. Durkin joined the Cougars during last year's track & field season as an assistant coach and quickly became an integral part of the coaching staff.

"I'm very excited for Nathan's leadership in Cougar track and field," said Director of Athletics Matt Johnson. "We had a strong candidate pool and Nathan quickly rose to the top with his vision for the program moving forward, as well as his passion for Division III athletics. I can't wait to see Cougar track and field continue to grow and succeed."

Durkin graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Kinesiology in 2022 and recently completed his M.Ed. in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership from the University of Washington. Certified by USA Track & Field in 2021 as a Level 1 track & field coach, Durkin served as an assistant track & field and cross country coach at the University of Illinois Laboratory High School for three years, working with distance and sprint athletes before becoming the head throws coach in 2022. He also wrote the strength training for all event groups in his final season with the program.

While pursuing his Master's degree at Washington, Durkin was a volunteer coach at Seattle University. He was the recruiting coordinator for all event groups for the Redhawks and was also the assistant distance and sprints coach.

"It is a great honor to have the opportunity to lead the Minnesota Morris track & field programs!" Durkin said. "I am excited to witness and contribute to the next great chapter for Cougar track & field. Go Cougs!"

With Durkin onboard at the end of last season, Minnesota Morris track & field finished third in the UMAC on the men's side and fourth on the women's side. Durkin will continue to serve as an assistant coach to Emily Hoesing in cross country and a full 2024 slate for track & field will soon be finalized.