CIU Hands Reins of Cross Country, Track & Field Programs to Thompson

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Columbia International University  (CIU) Director of Athletics Darren Richie has announced the hiring of Tim Thompson to serve as the Rams' Director of Track & Field and Cross Country.

Thompson comes to CIU by way of fellow National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) member Southwestern College (Kas.), where he spent the last two seasons overseeing the Moundbuilders Track & Field and Cross Country programs.

"I would like to thank CIU President Dr. Mark Smith and Director of Athletics Darren Richie for this opportunity. Their leadership has already positively impacted my life, and I look forward to working with my new CIU family," remarked Thompson, "I would also like to thank President Frombgen and Athletic Director Adams of Southwestern College. Thank you for trusting me to serve. I am forever grateful for my time at Southwestern. Most importantly, I would like to thank my wife, BreeAnn, for her support, encouragement, and love in this decision. "

While at Southwestern, Thompson's teams produced ten NAIA All-Americans, 35 NAIA National Qualifiers, and 38 All-Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) performers. On top of these accolades, the Moundbuilders set 16 new school records and a KCAC conference record.

Prior to his stint at Southwestern, Thompson spent time in the NCAA Division I ranks as an assistant track & field coach at Arkansas State University. While with the Red Wolves, Thompson helped produce two NCAA All-Americans, seven Sun Belt Conference (SBC) champions, nine NCAA West Prelims qualifiers, 30 All-SBC performers, three school record holders, one SBC all-time and championship meet record and 13 inclusions into the school's top-ten all-time performance lists.

Thompson also holds collegiate coaching experience from Kansas Wesleyan and the University of Nebraska.

The Dallas, Texas native brings with him a wealth of knowledge from his own experience as a collegiate athlete. Thompson competed for the Univerity of Texas-Arlington from 2006-2009, where he was a five-time All-Southland Conference performer and was a regional qualifier in 2007 and 2008 in the 110m hurdles and the 4x100m relay. During his time with the Mavericks, Thompson was a staple in the 110m hurdles, 100m, 200m, and the 4x100 relay.

"I am excited to have an individual of Tim's caliber leading our Cross Country and Track & Field programs," stated Richie. "Thanks to the foundation set by Jud Brooker combined with our world-class track facility; I believe this hire can make CIU one of the premier destinations for some of the best track & field talent in the state and the Southeast."

Thompson is a 2014 graduate of the University of North Texas and holds a Level I USA Track & Field Coaching Certification for sprints, hurdles, and relays and a USTFCCCA Program Management Certification. He is married to BreeAnn Hammond-Thompson.

The Rams' newest hire spoke on the opportunity in front of him, saying, "It is truly an honor to serve as the new Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at CIU. I'm excited to get plugged into the community and establish generational relationships. I believe God has a plan to build this program to achieve greatness!".

Thompson will assume his new role on Monday, Oct. 3.

(Story provided by Columbia International Sports Information)