RIVER FOREST, ILL. — Concordia University Chicago (CUC) Athletics and Director of Athletics Janet Wolbert are pleased to announce the promotion of Andy Chizzo to Head Track and Field Coach.
"Coach Chizzo has been committed to the Track and Field program here at CUC in various roles for over twenty years and we are excited to have him leading this program, continuing the development and success of our student-athletes," Wolbert had to comment on his promotion. "He exemplifies what we strive for in the Athletic Department: head coaches who are servant leaders striving to enhance the student-athlete experience while they compete in their sport. I am excited to see our Track and Field program continue to excel under Coach Chizzo's leadership."
Chizzo has been a part of the Cougar Track and Field coaching staff for over 20 years. He first started in 2001 as the part-time assistant pole vault coach. In November of 2020, Chizzo was promoted to full-time assistant track and field coach. In his time at CUC, he has coached 23 All-Americans, including the most recent National Champions, Kayla Armstrong and Simone Wilson.
He also was a part of the staff that helped coach these two athletes to the 2022 USA Championships in Eugene, Oregon. In the 2022 season, the women's team was ranked 12th nationally after multiple Cougars placed high in national rankings.
During his 20-year tenure with the Cougars, he has witnessed countless All-Conference finishers in both the indoor and outdoor seasons. Additionally, almost every single record has been broken underneath his coaching, only five remain since he has joined the Cougar coaching staff.
"Being new to the Head Coaching position, I'm looking forward to learning and growing in my field as much as I expect my student-athletes," Chizzo had to comment. "I also want to instill a championship mindset with a willingness to achieve it. This can only happen with a great support staff that is willing to fully collaborate and undertake any of the unforeseen challenges along the way."
During his time as a student-athlete, Chizzo was a five-year Division I athlete at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He competed in pole vault, hurdles, javelin, and decathlon; Holding two records in pole vault and javelin, with the javelin record still remaining in the top 10 all-time.
Chizzo graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1994 with a degree in graphic design. He will be taking over Head Coaching responsibilities immediately.
