(Tucson, AZ) The Pima Community College men’s and women’s track & field program has a new person at the helm for the 2020 season.
Chad Harrison, the team’s jumps coach for the last 12 years, was named the new Interim Head Coach. Harrison will also continue to work with the jump athletes.
Harrison brought in three new assistant coaches: Al Shirley (Sprints/Hurdles), Shonda Jones (Jumps/Multi’s), and former Aztecs cross country and distance runner Mark Bennett (Distance). They join current coaches Hector Espinoza (Throws) along with Phil McClurg (Distance).
“For the past 12 years I’ve had the opportunity to work under the best sprints, distance and throws coaches,” Harrison said. “I’m excited for the next chapter and hope to bring more success to this historic program. I look forward to making the team more family oriented, united and nationally competitive.”
Coach Harrison provide comments on each of his new coaches.
Al Shirley – “He is a phenomenal coach that brings tons of ears of experience. He brings us championship experiences and a plethora of knowledge to strengthen out our sprints and hurdles crew,” Harrison said.
Shonda Jones – “she was a fierce competitor in the junior college ranks and brings us championship experience from her time at GCU and she will be a great addition to our Jumps crew,” Harrison said.
Market Bennett – “He is training semi-professionally and will provide the recruiting strength locally. He brings a plethora of knowledge from Southern Utah University and is a former Pima Community College Track & field All-American and standout,” Harrison said.
Harrison added, “All three of our new coaches have a strong junior college footprint to assist with our current coaching staff of Phil McClurg and Hector Espinoza.”
The process to fill the Pima track & field head coaching position on a permanent basis will be begin at the end of March.
The 2020 track & field outdoor season has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Press Release courtesy of Pima Athletics
