Jerry Schumacher has just joined the Oregon Ducks athletic program as the head coach of the cross-country program and track and field program.
Eugene, Oregon is home to Hayward Field, a world-class track and field facility, and is now welcoming a new head coach. Schumacher is leaving the Nike Bowerman Track club after 15 years. His time spent with the successful track club has helped him make a name for himself in the track world and made him a highly sought-after coach. Schumacher has coached a multitude of Olympians who have gone on to win Olympic and world championship medals. The Bowerman Track club even has athletes competing in 14 events in the upcoming World Athletics Championships that will begin on Friday.
This news comes just three weeks after the University announced Robert Johnson will not be returning. Johnson spent a decade with the Ducks as head coach and seven years as associate head coach. He also helped them win 14 national titles but will not be returning for reasons unknown. With Schumacher and his impressive resume taking his place, the Ducks will have nothing to worry about in the upcoming track seasons. With the Ducks’ track history, the 2022 NCAA men’s championships were disappointing for the fans with the team only having 9 entries and fan favorites running some of their slowest times. The Ducks had an unexpected and surprising end to the 2022 season. Especially after placing 2nd in the 2021 men’s NCAA championships.
The Ducks have a very impressive track team and history with Eugene being known as the track capital of the world. With Eugene hosting the Olympic trials last year and now the 2022 World Athletic Championships fans are eager to see what Schumacher will do for the team in the upcoming months. While Schumacher has spent the last decade and a half with Olympians and other impressive track athletes this will not be his first time in the college track atmosphere. Before receiving his job with the Bowerman Track Club, he spent time at the University of Wisconsin where for ten years he coached the men’s distance and cross-country program. He was even the 2005 National Men’s Cross-Country Coach of the Year. In the last 25 years, Schumacher has gained respect and praise from colleagues and runners in the track world. The Oregon Ducks will welcome Schumacher as the new head coach with excitement for the upcoming seasons.
Northwest Sports Desk 