Hager Hired to Lead Houghton Cross Country and Track Programs
HOUGHTON, N.Y. – Patrick Hager has been named the head coach for the Houghton College men's and women's cross country and track and field programs, Houghton Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics H. "Skip" Lord announced today.
Hager comes to Houghton from Messiah College where he served for two years as a graduate assistant for the cross country and track and field teams. In his role he served as recruiting coordinator, assisted with administrative duties, coordinated practice and competition schedules, constructed and administered training programs and led meet management for home competitions.
At Messiah he coached athletes to more than 30 all-conference finishes, including two conference champions.
"Coach Hager will be a great fit for our program. His experience and familiarity with NCAA Division III will enhance recruiting and help us to take the next important steps in our transition to full NCAA membership," said Lord. "He comes from a strong program and has been mentored by one of the best in the business. I have no doubt that Houghton's legacy is in good hands moving forward."
In addition to his work at Messiah, Hager served for two years as the first ever cross country head coach at NCAA Division III Rosemont (Pa.) College, where he guided Klarisse Torriente to second team All CSAC honors in 2010 and first team honors in 2011.
Hager brings additional experience as a High Altitude Center Coordinator for the Mancos Project High Altitude Center at Lost Canyon Ranch in Mancos, Colo. There, he led training runs and supplemental training sessions for NCAA Division I and II athletes and high level post-collegiate athletes. He also served one year as an exercise specialist with Central Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Services.
Hager holds Level I and Level II (Endurance Coaching) certification from U.S. Track and Field and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He earned his master's degree in higher education, with a concentration in college athletics management, from Messiah in May 2014.
"It's evident that the Houghton community is a place where my wife and I can continue to grow, mentor, and learn," said Hager. "One of the things I'm most excited about is the chance to mentor and lead a group of young adults. I'm sure that I will have the opportunity to learn as much from them as they do from me.
"I see a lot of potential for Houghton cross country and track and field to be at the top of the conference and a regular on the NCAA Division III Championship scene. With a new facility and already storied tradition, I hope to work hard on recruiting and developing student-athletes to compete at a high level."
Hager is originally from Edinboro, Pa., and is a graduate of General McLane High School. After that he attended Medaille College for one year and transferred to Messiah where he graduated in 2008 with a degree in sports and exercise science. As a senior at Messiah, Hager earned First Team All MAC honors in both cross country and track and field.
Hager is also a co-founder of Team S.W.I.F.T (Strength, Wisdom, Integrity, Faithfulness, and Truthfulness), a racing team of Messiah alumni founded to give runners a chance to stay connected to their teammates after graduation and to glorify God with the blessing he has given in running.
He holds post-collegiate personal bests with S.W.I.F.T. of 15:25 (5k), 32:08 (10k), 25:40 (5 miles), 1:12:03 (Half Marathon), and 2:35:54 (Marathon).
Patrick and his wife, Sarah, were married in 2012.