Kittley Announced as Men's Track and Field Coach
July 28, 1999 | Indoor Track
July 27, 1999
LUBBOCK, Texas - Wes Kittley, the former head coach at Abilene Christian University who has won more national track and field titles than any other coach in NCAA history, was named this afternoon as the new men's track and field coach at Texas Tech University by Athletic Director Gerald Myers.
"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."
Kittley's credentials, and trophy collection, speak for themselves. Upon taking over as the Abilene Christian women's head coach in 1985 Kittley built the Wildcats into a national powerhouse. In 1993, Kittley took over duties as the ACU men's coach where he continued his winning ways. Since 1985, Kittley has won a combined total of 29 NCAA Division II national championships.
His former student-athletes include several Olympians, Pan American Games medalist Mazel Thomas, U.S. high jump champion Yolanda Henry, World Cup medalist Mary Tombiri, and Commonwealth Games medalist Savieri Ngidhi.
Twice in his career Kittley has directed his team to a "national title sweep" - winning all four possible national championships (indoors and outdoors for both men and women). His Wildcat men and women accomplished the feat in 1996 and again in 1999.
"I want to bring an overall program to Tech," Kittley said. "I'd like us to develop into a strong team in all events. It's something that will be advantageous to the program and in recruiting.
"It's 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 women's head coach four years later.
"I'm very excited to be a Red Raider," he said. I'm excited to be at a Division I program, especially Texas Tech. I'm a West Texas kid. I was born here, my family is here, my in-laws are here. It's my kind of place and my kind of people."