Kirk Nauman

WINONA, Minn. — The interim label didn't last long for Kirk Nauman.

Saint Mary's University announced Monday that Nauman, who was hired as the head track and field coach on an interim basis after Paul Thornton left SMU to accept a job at Washington (Mo.) University just prior to the start of the 2004 indoor season, has been offered, and accepted, the position on a full-time basis.

"I'm excited about the opportunity in front of me," said Nauman, who
came to Saint Mary's from Minnesota State, where he was an assistant coach for the past two seasons, specializing in jumps and sprints. "Since assuming the interim head coaching duties this fall, we have already made many strides as a program. I look forward to building on the momentum we have created. As we continue to bring in quality student-athletes, the program's success will continue to grow."

Nauman, a 1999 graduate of UW-Superior, has also spent time as a coach at UW-Superior and Allegheny. At UW-Superior, Nauman coached eight school-record performers and also coached an NCAA provisoinal qualifier. While at Allegheny, Nauman helped develop one All-American, four conference champions, 16 all-conference performers and six school-record holders.

Nauman is a USA Track and Field certified coach and is a member of the U.S. Track Coaches Association.

As an athlete, Nauman was a member of the UW-Superior track and field teams, where he was the captain his senior season.