Paul Krebs, Vice President for Athletics
“We are thrilled to have Joe here as our new track and cross country coach. Joe’s an outstanding track coach. He has a great reputation nationally. I’m delighted to have him on board.
“I think it’s appropriate that I talk just for a second about our commitment to the sport of track and field. Make no mistake we are in this to win. We are in this to compete at the highest levels nationally. The man sitting next to me was 17 times the coach of the year in his conference. He took a team as high as fourth nationally and was serving on the NCAA Track Committee. Joe is a man with impeccable track credentials and I don’t think there is any question that he would not have come to the University of New Mexico had we not been totally committed to the sport of track and field, and that is on the men’s and women’s side. One of the commitments we made to Joe, which we also made to former coach Henry, is that we will fully fund the men’s program.”
Joe Franklin, New Mexico Track & Cross Country Head Coach
“This is an awesome opportunity. Janice (Ruggiero) and Paul and the University of New Mexico’s commitment to the sport of track and field and cross country is at the top. The goals and the university’s commitment is why this is a job I really went after.
“The goals are pretty simple: to produce quality students who will be successful in whatever profession they choose; as well as striving to compete at the highest level, whether it’s the Olympics in Beijing, a Mountain West title or an NCAA Championship. Those are the goals we have had as a coaching staff and will continue to uphold at UNM. And they are obtainable goals. There are currently students on this team who could make Olympic teams. There are students who could win MWC titles, NCAA championships and teams that could be very competitive nationally. That is what we strive for and I wouldn’t have come 1,800 miles to not try to be the best we can. I think it is very realistic to shoot for the top-10 in cross country, top-15 finish in track and those are on the national level.
“Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico are very unique. It does, and will continue to attract great runners, students, jumpers, throwers and vaulters. From a recruiting standpoint, the philosophy is very simple: Look within New Mexico first. There is a great history of track and field in New Mexico so lets try to get the New Mexico kids to stay in New Mexico. It’s a great academic institution, it’s a great climate and we are going to provide scheduling and athletic opportunities that they won’t be able to get anywhere else in the country.”