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Oct. 9, 2008

CANYON, Texas – Darren Flowers has been named as head track & field coach at West Texas A&M. Under his guidance, the University will reinstate both men’s and women’s track & field programs at the intercollegiate level.

Over the past year, Flowers has enjoyed success working with both WTAMU’s strength & conditioning as well as the cross country programs while also pursuing his master’s degree.

“Darren had the advantage of working with our distance program for the past year, assisting with recruiting and helping to develop training programs,” said WTAMU Director of Athletics Michael McBroom. “His knowledge of the sport, prior experience before coming to WT, and the manner in which he works with students and others already on our coaching staff have impressed me. He is intelligent, professional, an outstanding communicator and committed to the ideals and mission of our athletic program.

“His dream was to become a head track and field coach,” McBroom continued. “He has prepared himself well for this opportunity. I am excited for him, but more so for the future of our track program and the students who will compete for West Texas A&M.”

Flowers began his career in 2005 as a distance coach for Pantheon Sports Performance. He also served as an assistant coach at Moore (Okla.) High School, coaching both distance and sprint events in 2006 and 2007.

Flowers has an extensive background of over 15 years in the sport of track & field as either a competitor, an official or coach and holds a USA Track and Field Level II certification in distance events (800m-Marathon).

“I am extremely grateful and honored to be given the opportunity to help build the track & field program at West Texas A&M,” said Flowers. “I appreciate Dr. O’Brien and Michael McBroom for having the confidence to bring me on board and support this new program. With support from both the university and the community, I have no doubt that we can become a program that wins championships and graduates exceptional student-athletes. We have the opportunity to lay the foundation for a successful future. We will set high standards, train smart and compete at a very high level. I will make a commitment to the continual improvement of myself and the program, and I will expect the same of my athletes and coaches.

“I have a passion for this sport,” Flowers added. “It is great to see young men and women test their limits, both mentally and physically. My goal is for each individual that leaves this program to have both a passion for the sport, as well as a passion for life.”

Flowers played football as a running back and return specialist at the Univ. of Tulsa until an injury shortened his career. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Kaplan University in 2007. In 2008, Flowers received his Master’s degree in Business Administration from WTAMU.

A native of Moore, Okla., he and his wife, Lindsy, an English teacher in the Canyon ISD, reside in Canyon, Texas.

WT will follow a systematic approach in the implementing of its track & field program. The men will begin competition during the Spring 2008 season, competing in distance and field events. The women will commence competition during the 2009 season.

“Track & field fits within the mission of our athletic program and within the mission of WT,” McBroom said. “We are committed to building an athletic program that can compete for championships and graduate student-athletes in all sports. The university is committed to providing more opportunities for students, and track & field is a sport in which we can excel, and one that will benefit several other programs we already have, including football.

“Further, as we embark on our new facilities plan, the facilities needed for track & field will serve intramurals and recreational runners on campus,” McBroom added. “It will also enable the university to attract more external events to campus. Financially, it will require us to make a greater commitment in terms of scholarships and operating budgets, but the price is well worth the overall impact a track program will have for WT.”