Dring named assistant coach at UNK

Sports News

Kelli Dring

Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska-Kearney co-head track & field coaches Andy Meyer and Brady Bonsall announced today changes to their coaching staff. Former Western State star Jeremy Bubb will be an assistant coach and be in charge of the UNK hurdlers, pole vaulters and multi-event athletes, as well as work with the sprinters. Leading UNK’s jumpers will be a familiar face in Kelli Dring. The Kearney native recently finished her collegiate career as a six-time All-American and will also serve as an assistant coach. “We’re excited to add both Jeremy and Kelli to our coaching staff. They both have backgrounds that make them a great fit for UNK track & field,” said Bonsall. After being a part of the program for over a decade, assistant coach Mike Bailey will be leaving UNK. Bailey was instrumental in the Lopers success, coaching numerous All-Americans in the sprints, jumps, hurdles, pole vault and multi-events. He also helped Lesley Crutcher win an outdoor national title in the high jump. “Mike was a great coach for us and we thank him for his efforts and all the sacrifices he made for the program. He will not be easily replaced but, having worked with Mike as a student-athlete, Kelli has a solid understanding of the techniques that our jumpers previously learned,” said Bonsall. “She is very detailed-oriented and will be an excellent addition.” A native of Houston, Texas, Bubb was the 2009 RMAC champion in the decathlon and then placed 10^th in the event at the NCAA Championships. During the indoor season, he was runner up in the heptathlon. “Jeremy comes from one of the top track and field programs in the RMAC and in Division II. When we started our search process, we thought our ideal candidate would have a multi-event background. Not only does Jeremy fit that description but he also has RMAC experience,” said Bonsall. Both UNK teams were young in 2009 and should again vie for top three honors at the RMAC Indoor and Outdoor Championships in 2010.