APPLETON, Wis. -- Jason Fast has been named the head men's and women's cross country and track and field coach at Lawrence University, Acting Director of Athletics Mike Szkodzinski announced Thursday.
Fast, a native of Menasha, Wis., comes to Lawrence from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where he has served as an assistant cross country and track coach since January 2006.
"We are very pleased to welcome Jason Fast to our staff as the head men's and women's track and cross country coach," Szkodzinski said. "Jason's professionalism and passion for his sport will certainly have a positive effect on our student-athletes. His past experience as an assistant coach with a nationally-recognized program will also benefit both programs. Most importantly, we believe that his high character and integrity will provide stability and create a solid foundation for enduring success for years to come."
A 2004 graduate of UW-Oshkosh with a bachelor's degree in public administration, Fast said this job opportunity is just what he was looking for.
"I'm really excited to join the Lawrence staff and looking forward to working with the great group of men and women Lawrence has," Fast said. "I'm looking forward to being a head coach. It's something I've always wanted to do, and I think it's going to be fun."
Fast competed in cross country and track and field for the Titans and won conference, regional, and national honors. A team captain in cross country, Fast earned All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and All-Midwest Region honors. Fast ran on the 2002 NCAA Division III championship team and is one of only four UW-Oshkosh runners to be a part of three WIAC championship teams.
In track and field, Fast was a four-time All-WIAC honoree in the 5,000 meters, 3,000 meters, and 3,000 steeplechase. Fast also was a provisional qualifier for the NCAA Division III Championships in the 5,000 meters indoors and the 3,000 steeplechase.
As an assistant coach at UW-Oshkosh, Fast was part of the coaching staff that helped the Titan men's track team win the 2009 indoor and outdoor NCAA Division III championships. During his time at UW-Oshkosh, the Titan men finished third at the NCAA indoor championships for three consecutive years (2006-08), and had two top-10 finishes outdoors. Fast assisted in coaching 15 national qualifiers, eight All-Americans, and one national champion at UW-Oshkosh. Fast also helped coach the UW-Oshkosh men's cross country teams to two top-10 finishes at the NCAA Division III Championships.
Fast, who has a Master's degree in exercise and sport science/sport administration from UW-La Crosse, said his relationship with UW-Oshkosh head coaches John Zupanc and Deb Vercauteren will be a great asset as he begins his head coaching career.
"I learned a great many things from coach Zupanc and coach Vercauteren about running a team," Fast said. "That will definitely guide me."
Fast said he will play to one of his strengths, recruiting, as he builds the Lawrence cross country and track programs.
"Most of my responsiblities at Oshkosh were recruiting," Fast said. "That's one area that is going to be worked hard, recruiting , recruiting, recruiting. I enjoy recruiting and that's the positive thing. I'm looking forward to recruiting more athletes from the area to build the team and continue Lawrence's strong tradition in cross country and track."