Kittley Announced as Mens Track and Field Coach
July 27, 1999 | Outdoor Track
July 27, 1999
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech University Director of Athletics Gerald Myers today announced that Wes Kittley, former head coach at Abilene Christian University, has been named head coach of the mens track and field team at Texas Tech.
"Wes is the coach with the ability, experience and record to build a solid track program at Texas Tech that will be successful for many years to come," Myers said. "He is recognized across the country as one of the best in his profession and we are pleased and proud to have him leading our track program."
Kittleys credentials, and trophy collection, speak for themselves. Upon taking over as the Abilene Christian womens head coach in 1985, Kittley built the Wildcats into a national powerhouse. In 1993, Kittley took over duties as the ACU mens coach where he continued his winning ways. Since 1985, Kittley has won a combined total of 29 NCAA Division II national championships, second all-time in the NCAA.
His former student -athletes include several Olympians, including Pan American Games medallist Mazel Thomas, U.S. high jump champion Yolanda Henry, World Cup medallist Mary Tombiri, and Commonwealth Games medallist Savieri Ngidhi.
Twice in his career Kittley has accomplished a "national title sweep" - winning all four national championships (indoor and outdoor for men and women). His Wildcat men and women accomplished the feat in 1996 and 1999.
"I want to bring an overall program to Tech," Kittley said. "Id like us to develop into a strong team in all events. Its something that will be advantageous to the program and in recruiting.
"Its going to be a process, but we are going to turn it around and do what it takes to get Texas Tech recognized nationally. When people think of track and field in West Texas, I want them to think of Texas Tech."
Kittley, 41, is a native of Rule, Texas. He was a Class A Texas State champion in the 800-meter run at Rule High School before attending Abilene Christian. At ACU Kittley was a middle distance runner on the track and field team where he ended up being a three-year letterwinner, team captain and NAIA All-American. He graduated from ACU in 1981 and took over as the womens head coach four years later.
"Im very excited to be a Red Raider," he said. Im excited to be at a Division I program especially Texas Tech. Im a West Texas kid. I was born here, my family is here, and my in-laws are here. Its my kind of place and my kind of people."