University of Central Missouri Athletics announced on Wednesday, July 9, the hiring of Collin Nurenberg as the next Mules & Jennies Cross Country Head Coach, along with being an Assistant Track & Field Coach.

"We are very excited to add Collin to the UCM family. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in both cross country and distance running events," UCM Associate Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator Lori Hopkins said. "His addition will help elevate our programs to a national-contending level."

Nurenberg becomes the program's seventh head coach after spending the previous three seasons at Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., where the Bulldogs had 23 All-Conference finishes by individuals and relay teams, including two individual Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) champions and one national qualifier.

"We are ecstatic to welcome Collin into our Mules and Jennies family," UCM head track & field Coach Kevin Paterson said. "I've had a front-row seat to Coach's career, and the growth and accomplishments have been incredible. His ability to create the right environment to get the very best out of his athletes is something I know he will bring to our program. Collin will position our cross country program at the top of the MIAA and NCAA for years to come. I am so excited to have the opportunity to work alongside him."

Prior to his time in Kirksville, Nurenberg served as the assistant coach at Northwood University in Midland, Mich., for three seasons. During the 2022 season, the Timberwolves had 11 total provisional marks and were named the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Men's Coaching Staff of the Year.

Before Northwood, Nurenberg was at Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich., for the 2018-19 season after completing his degree in exercise science at Saginaw Valley State University. There, he was a five-time President's List selection and maintained a 4.0 GPA for three consecutive years.

"First, I would like to thank [UCM Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics] Matt Howdeshell and Lori Hopkins for this opportunity," Nurenberg said. "I'm excited for the opportunity to work with Coach Paterson, who has already made a big impact during his one year at UCM. This athletic department has a long legacy of success, and I can't wait to be a part of the next chapter."

He is a level one certified coach from USA Track & Field and holds certifications as a technical and endurance specialist from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.