July 31, 2007

BOCA RATON, FL (July 24, 2007) - Florida Atlantic University Track and Field Head Coach Alex Smolka recently announced the arrival of Owen McGregor and Harry Hackett to the coaching staff.

McGregor, an Arizona State graduate, will be responsible for coaching the sprints, hurdles, relays and jumps, as well as play a major role in recruiting. He comes to FAU from Phoenix College, where he acted as the head track and field coach, as well as the head of the men's and women's cross country programs. McGregor joined Phoenix College in 2005 as an assistant and was promoted in 2006.

Prior to Phoenix College, McGregor spent a year at Central Arizona College as an assistant coach, after spending 2002-04 as an assistant at Arizona State as part of the college's post-graduate program. Before he joined the collegiate ranks, McGregor spent six years as a coach at the high school level. In addition, McGregor has also acted as a member of personal coaching staffs for several Olympians and Division I athletes.

"I'm excited to bring someone like Owen into the FAU track and cross-country program," said Smolka. "He brings a great deal of experience and will play a key role in helping our program become one of the top programs in the Sun Belt Conference. Owen has experience in coaching a variety of events and has proven himself to be a great recruiter, both areas which are vital for the growth and success of our program."

Hackett joins FAU as a pole vault coach and brings over nine years of coaching experience to Florida Atlantic. He has worked with Boca Raton Community High School as its volunteer pole vault coach since 1998. During his time at Boca Raton Community High School, Hackett helped guide state pole vault champions in 2005 and 2006. In addition, nine others have qualified for the state championship meet during his tenure.

"It is with great excitement that I welcome Harry into the FAU track & field family," said Smolka. "Prior to having our own facility, we were unable to practice many of the events which make up the sport of track & field. Now that we have a beautiful new facility, it was time to make sure that we grew as a program. Harry will play a key role in that growth. Pole vaulting takes years of experience and having Harry right here in Boca is extremely fortunate."

Hackett still competes in pole vaulting at the master's level and placed as high as 4th at the World Master Athletic Championships in Puerto Rico in 2003. Before moving to South Florida, Hackett graduated from the University of Cincinnati after transferring from Ohio State University.