STEPHENVILLE – The Tarleton track and field team and head coach Pat Ponder announced the hiring of Brandon Couts as the new Assistant Track Coach. Couts is responsible for the sprints, hurdles, and relays.
Couts is a highly decorated former athlete who ran for Baylor University from 1998-2001 and was team captain all four years. There he was named the Big 12 Athlete of the Year in 2000, as well as Baylor's Athlete of the Year.
At Baylor, Couts was a 13-time All-American and four-time NCAA Division I Champion in the 400m dash (then collegiate record) and 4x400m. Besides the four national championships, Couts also set a Big 12 record with 15 conference championships and is a member of the Big 12 10th Anniversary Team. Couts boast personal bests of 100m (10.15), 200m (20.48), and 400m (44.72.)
After finishing his collegiate career at Baylor, Couts went on to represent the United States at a number of events and even won the 2002 U.S. Indoor 400-m dash. He is also a three-time World Champion.
Couts' coaching career includes stops at the University of Colorado and Texas A&M-Commerce. In his time as coach at both schools, Couts has coached 13 All-Americans and his athletes have broken several school records. The sprinters and hurdlers was an integral part of Colorado's 2008 Men's Big 12 Championship team.
When asked about his move to Tarleton, Couts expressed his desire to get back to his coaching roots.
“I decided that I wanted to coach again,” said Couts. “I've worked with Coach Ponder before and knew I wanted to coach back in the state of Texas.”
Couts also explained what he expects of his athletes.
“We want to get the athletes to compete to the best of their abilities,” said Couts. “I would like to see us win the conference, win a national title, and turn Tarleton into a perennial Division II powerhouse.”
Couts brings years of experience and a competitive nature to the Texans and TexAnns, and Tarleton track and field will reap the benefits immediately from his expertise.
“My missions is to groom these young athletes so they are successful not only on the track, but also in the classroom and in life.”
