Campbell nurtures track and field program

By Brian Risso
Athletic Media Relations

Chris Campbell

As Fresno State continues to produce standout sprinters and distance runners, it might become easy to overlook another area of the track and field program that has been equally impressive in recent years.

The Bulldog's impressive throwing contingent has emerged as one of the finest in the state under the direction of associate head track and field coach Chris Campbell, now in his fifth season at Fresno State.

Among Campbell's accomplishments since his arrival: aiding in the success of Scott Wenholz (WAC Champion and All-American decathlete), guiding April Wiechmann to the 2000 WAC discus crown and tutoring Ryan Beckenhauer to an eighth-place finish and All-American honors in the shot put at the 2001 NCAA Championships.

Three student-athletes earned NCAA provisional qualifying marks during the 2002 campaign, while another five, two of them freshmen, made NCAA Regional appearances last year.  

Campbell's influence on the program has continued this season. As recruiting coordinator, Campbell snagged his first No. 1 Track and Field News High School All-American recruit in Mallory Webb. That addition has certainly paid dividends for the Bulldogs, as Webb has already qualified for NCAA Regionals with a personal-best toss of 156-11 in the javelin.

Another freshman, Katie Richardson, will also be competing in May, after qualifying in the discus.

However, some would argue that the most impressive throwing performances in 2004 have come from senior Joe Vasquez. Under Campbell's tutelage, Vasquez owns the club's best mark in four different field events and has already qualified for NCAA Regional competition in both the hammer and discus.

In addition to his coaching and recruiting duties, Campbell serves as vice president of the California-Nevada Coaches Association and as Men's and Women's Development Chairperson for the Central Valley Chapter of USA Track and Field.