Saturday, August 23, 1997

Kittley named associate director of athletics

Wes Kittley, head coach for men's and women's track and field at Abilene Christian University, has been named associate director of athletics at ACU.

Kittley, who has guided ACU to 22 national championship in NCAA Division II, will continue to serve as head coach for the Wildcat men's and women's track and field teams.

"Wes has proven on many occasions that is capable of providing strong leadership," said Stan Lambert, ACU's director of athletics. "He knows our system well and will be a valuable asset to our administrative staff."

Kittley's responsibilities will include working with other members of the ACU coaching staff in day-to-day duties, including scheduling, recruiting, and training and professional development. He will also serve as director of athletics in Lambert's absence.

"Wes bleeds purple and white," Lambert said. "I can think of no one else who is more loyal and dedicated to the philosophies, goals and objectives of our athletics program than Wes. He will do a tremendous job of us."

Kittley has been ACU women's coach since 1984 and men's coach since 1993 with 16 national titles in women's indoor and outdoor track and six titles in men's indoor and outdoor track. His teams have also won Lone Star Conference championships every year except 1995 when the meet was rained out.

His student-athletes have competed in the Olympics, IAAF World Championships, World University Games, Pan American Games, World Cup and Commonwealth Games. A former high school state champion in the 800 at Rule, Kittley received bachelor's and master's degrees from ACU and was a team captain and all-America halfmiler for the Wildcats.

He has been named Coach of the Year by the LSC, NCAA and southwest region of USA Track and Field.

Kittley's appointment and the recent addition of Sylvia Dyer as NCAA compliance coordinator and assistant track and field coach at ACU follow the recent resignation of Todd McKnight as ACU's associate director of athletics.