Thurnhoffer Honored as USTFCCCA Regional Assistant Coach of the Year

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico assistant coach Bob Thurnhoffer was named the Mountain Region Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced Thursday. Thurnhoffer was one of nine regional winners of the honor and will be on the ballot for the organization’s National Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year.

Thurnhoffer was recognized for his first season at UNM, working with the Lobos competing in the long sprints, jumps, hurdles and throws. Among the men’s athletes he coached, four earned All-America honors after their performances at this month’s NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Rivaldo Leacock was a second-team All-American in the 400m hurdles and Jovahn Williamson earned honorable mention accolades in the 400m in addition to the 4x400m relay team, where he was joined by Leacock, Jevon O’Bryant and Victor Akhalu.

At the Mountain West Championship, Thurnhoffer coached the gold medalists in the 400m hurdles, 400m, 200m 4x400m relay and triple jump. It was the first conference title for the Lobos in both the 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay. Leacock set a school-record in the 400m hurdles, a mark that had stood for 62 years, while the 4x400m relay broke a UNM record that had stood for 45 years.

Overall, Thurnhoffer coached the Lobos to 10 All-Mountain West honors and 45 personal best performances during the men’s outdoor season.