By: by Emily Diekelmann
KENNESAW, Ga. - In only his first year as coach, head track and field coach Andy Eggerth was named the Atlantic Sun Outdoor Men’s Coach of the Year. Chosen by other coaches from the conference, Eggerth was given the award the same day his team won their second straight A-Sun Outdoor Conference Championship.
"I am very honored to receive this award," Eggerth said. "The recognition may go to my name, but it’s really a testament to the hard work that our whole staff has put in, and the great job that each athlete did at the A-Sun Championship. I also have to give recognition to the former KSU T&F staff that laid the foundation of success prior to our arrival. What pleased me even more receiving this award was when my colleagues commented on the class with which our athletes carried themselves. Our obvious goal is to win championships, but more imperatively is to develop young men and women of character."
His move to Kennesaw State provided Eggerth with his first shot at the head coaching position as he was an assistant coach at Kansas State for four years. During his time with Kansas State, Eggerth worked with sprints and hurdles while also assisting with mid-distance and distance athletes.
Under his leadership, Kansas State had 25 All-American Certificates and three NCAA Individual Championships. On top of his responsibilities as assistant coach, Eggerth also was the recruiting coordinator which included talent identification, setting up visits and determining eligibility.
He also holds a Level 2 certification from the USATF in combined events and throws and a Level 3 certification in jumps. He also has "Elite Coach" certification from the IAAF in sprints and hurdles.
This season, Eggerth led the Owls to a second place finish for the men at the A-Sun Indoor Championships and a third place finish for the women. For the outdoor championships, the women finished third once again, but the men were able to repeat their success from last season with a second straight conference title.
Under Eggerth, 23 athletes were named to the All-Conference team for finishing in the top three of their event at conference. The Owls season is still going with several athletes vying for a qualifying spot for NCAA Preliminaries in Bloomington, Ind. at the end of May. They travel to Florida State this weekend for the Florida State Twilight meet.
