University of Memphis Athletics
Track and Field Adds Former Olympian to Coaching Staff
Aug 18, 2006 | Women's Track and Field
Aug. 18, 2006
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis track and field program has taken a tremendous step forward with the addition of Mike Power as an assistant coach.
Power will work primarily with the Tiger and Lady Tiger distance runners and cross-country teams. While this will be Power's first stop as a college coach, he is certainly not unfamiliar with the level of competition.
A native of Melbourne, Australia, Power ran collegiately from 1996-1999 for the University of Arkansas, where he trained under longtime coach John McDonnell. During his time with the Razorbacks, Power was a nine-time All-American and five-time SEC Champion.
Power won back-to-back Southeastern Conference cross-country titles in 1998 and 1999. At the 1998 SEC Outdoor Championships he won the 5000-meters, and at the SEC Indoors in 1999 he took two titles, winning the mile and the three-kilometer events.
In 2000, Power returned home to train for the 2002 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. He went on to qualify for the Games and represented Australia in the 5000-meters.
After coaching and competing professionally for two years, Power returned to Arkansas in 2004 and received his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology.
After a year off in 2005, Power is eager to return to collegiate track and field to begin working with the Tiger distance groups.
"It's exciting to be here and to coach at this level," said Power. "I think it will be rewarding to have a part in building a successful team."
Head track and field coach Kevin Robinson shared Power's sentiment and feels that his arrival will be a positive step for the program.
"Anytime that you can add an Olympian to your coaching roster, it's a good move," said Robinson. "Mike's record speaks for itself. He's had at experience at every level of the sport, and I have no doubt that he is going to make a big impact on our program."
