Two-Time MAC Champion Named Assistant Track Coach

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) - Sue Parks, head coach of the Eastern Michigan University's women's cross country and track and field programs, announced former Kent State All-American thrower Andy Nicholas as a new assistant coach for the women's track and field squad. Nicholas will take over as the throws coach.

“We brought Andy on board because he's very skilled and knowledgeable,” said Coach Parks. “The other coaches and I feel that his experience within the sport and the conference will help us tremendously. We're really looking forward to seeing the results and impact of his work with the throwers.”

Although new to EMU, Nicholas is very familiar with the Mid-American Conference. Having competed in track and field as a thrower during each of his four years at Kent State University, he set himself apart as an elite thrower by claiming two conference championships and also qualifying for the NCAA Championships.

During his senior season at Kent, Nicholas won his second of back-to-back MAC Championships for his efforts in the hammer throw. His personal record couldn't have come at a better time as he posted a throw of 223-feet 5-inches in the MAC Championship to claim the title and earn himself top-billing as an All-American. During his junior season, Nicholas also won a MAC Title in the hammer throw and had multiple top-10 finishes during the indoor and outdoor seasons, including a second place hammer throw at the All-Ohio Championship. He also notched a sixth place finish in the shot put at the Campbell-Wright Open. His sophomore season was highlighted by three second place finishes at the Ohio University Invite, the Akron Quad and the Campbell-Wright Open. As a walk-on freshman, Nicholas posted throws good enough to qualify him for both Indoor and Outdoor MAC Championships.

Some of Nicholas' other accomplishments include being a two-time USA outdoor qualifier, the 2007 Ohio weightlifting champion in the 94 kg weight class and the MAC Championship record holder in hammer throw 223-feet 5-inches.

Nicholas was born July 13, 1984 in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated from Kent State in 2007 with a degree in criminal justice.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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