Wednesday, September 24, 2008

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Sept. 24, 2008) - Head ETSU track and field coach David Walker announced the hiring of a new assistant, Eli Sunquist, on Wednesday afternoon. Sunquist will work with all the male and female field athletes, while emphasizing on the vertical and horizontal jumps as well as the multi-event athletes. 

Sunquist brings an excellent track record to the Buccaneer program, both as a coach and an athlete. The Pittsburgh, Pa. native spent the past two years coaching the Charlotte 49ers, his alma mater, where he supervised all the male and female field event athletes. Under his watch, Sunquist qualified six horizontal jumpers to the NCAA Regional meet, and saw 10 of his athletes win Atlantic 10 conference crowns. The most notable athlete Sunquist assisted and trained was international triple jumper Allen Simms - who was ranked as high as 21st in the world.

"Eli stood out from the entire applicant pool and is a really good fit for our program," said Walker. "Not only has he had success in coaching track and field, but he was a top athlete while competing at Charlotte. With his experiences and knowledge of the sport, he can really help our athletes reach the next level."

During his time competing for the 49er track and field team, Sunquist built quite an impressive resume in the triple jump. He was a three-time NCAA Regional Qualifier, two-time Atlantic 10 Conference medalist, named all-conference twice in Conference USA, and won a pair of A-10 team championship rings in both the indoor and outdoor season. Sunquist also shined in the classroom, where he was named to the US Track & Field Coaches All-Academic Team and was also on the Dean's List.

In May, Sunquist received his Master of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies from Charlotte, where he conducted a thesis on U.S. women's triple jump.

Sunquist is member of the National Pole Vault Coaches Association and United States Track & Field and Cross Country Association. He and his wife Tara, a former UNF volleyball standout, reside in Johnson City.

For more information on Buccaneer track and field, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.