McKenney joined New Mexico in the summer of 2025 and assisted with the Lobos’ distance runners throughout the cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field seasons. He was promoted from volunteer assistant to full-time distance coach in August of 2026.
During his first season in Albuquerque, McKenney contributed to one of the most successful years in program history. New Mexico swept the men’s and women’s team titles at the 2025 Mountain West Cross Country Championships before both teams earned trophies at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. The Lobo men finished as national runners-up, while the women placed fourth.
“After a year of volunteering with the program and displaying his knowledge and experience with New Mexico and our athletes, his work ethic made him stand out amongst a pool of other really qualified candidates,” Gauson said. “He’ll be a key piece for our continuity heading into another big year.”
UNM’s women continued that success on the track, winning both the 2026 Mountain West Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field team championships and finishing in the Top 20 in the nation in both indoor and outdoor men’s and women’s team scores.
The Lobos also produced numerous individual national champions and All-America performers during McKenney’s season with the program.
A native of Clovis, California, McKenney graduated from Western Oregon University in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in organizational leadership. He competed for four seasons with Western Oregon’s cross country and track & field programs.