Mitch Switzer named track and field/cross country head coach

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University Director of Athletics Bill Smith is pleased to announce that Mitch Switzer has been named the new head coach for the Bryant University track and field/cross country programs for the upcoming 2015-16 year.

"Mitch did an outstanding job this past season, and we are thrilled to have him lead our track and field/cross country programs," Smith said. "He brings a high level of excitement and his commitment to excellence in competition and in the classroom really stands out. The results speak for themselves as our athletes were able to rewrite the record book under his guidance this past year."

Switzer served as the interim head men's track and field coach for the past six months, helping the Bulldogs to unprecedented heights. Under his coaching, the Black and Gold set 17 school records, had seven players take home medals at the NEC Championships and sent eight to the ECAC/IC4A Championships. The Bulldogs also saw their top-10 lists completely rewritten this past year.

"I'm very excited to be given the opportunity to continue leading the Bryant track and field/cross country programs," Switzer said. "I'd like to thank Bill Smith and all the administration for giving me this opportunity. Bryant has enjoyed incredible success athletically and academically and is a great environment for a coach to teach and for student-athletes to learn and be successful. I look forward to building a culture of excellence and success within our programs."

A 2013 graduate of the University of Vermont, Switzer enjoyed a standout career for the Catamounts before joining the coaching staff for the 2013-14 year. A member of the 2014 America East Women's Coaching Staff of the Year, he developed training plans and developmental athlete lifting programs. Switzer helped the Catamounts record program-best finishes of second (women) and fifth (men) at the AE Championships and saw his athletes set 14 school records, 11 earn All-ECAC/All-IC4A and one qualify for the NCAA East Regional.

A native of Phoenix, N.Y., Switzer was a NCAA Division I national qualifier in the 400 hurdles during 2012, setting the UVM school record in the process. He was also a member of the 4x400 school record relay team during the indoor and outdoor seasons.

Switzer also qualified for the IC4As as a junior and a senior, earned All-New England honors and was a two-time All-America East selection in the 400 hurdles. He also competed in the European Track Circuit in 2013.