ONEONTA, NY – Hartwick College Director of Athletics
Kim Fierke announced Monday that
Matt Pohren has been named the new Assistant Athletic Director/Head Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach, effective July 15. Pohren most recently served as the Assistant Cross Country Coach at Division I Creighton University in Omaha, NE.
"We are very excited to welcome Matt to Hartwick," said Fierke. "I am looking forward to having someone with his experience to lead our cross country program and his background to serve in a department leadership capacity."
Pohren helped pilot the Blue Jays' men's and women's programs for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. He also served in the Creighton compliance and marketing departments.
"It is a great honor to help lead both the athletic department and the cross country teams at Hartwick College," stated Pohren. "I am very thankful to Dr. Fierke and the search committee and all those involved in entrusting me with this wonderful opportunity."
Pohren began his coaching and administrative career at his alma mater, Northwest Missouri State University, in Maryville, MO. He served as an assistant coach with the Bearcats' cross country and track and field programs for three years from 2007 to 2010, helping to guide several NCAA regional qualifiers and All-America athletes in both sports.
While at Northwest, Pohren also served as the department's Compliance Assistant and its Senior Marketing Manager. He was elevated to the Interim Assistant Athletic Director in the 2010-2011 academic year.
As a student-athlete, Pohren competed in cross country and track and field at Northwest from 2003 to 2007. While competing for the Bearcats, he was a two-time NCAA Division II Academic All-American and a six-time Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) All-Conference performer in cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field.
Pohren graduated from Northwest in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. He earned a Master of Science in Health and Physical Education in 2010.
"I am eager to bring my own experiences, energy, and passion for athletics and coaching to Hartwick and continue the pattern of excellence both academically and on the field," added Pohren. There is a sense of commitment and pride in both the College and the athletic program and my hope is to exude that same type pride in my own work ethic administratively and within the cross country program."