Former Claremont-Mudd Scripps University Assistant Coming to Rocklin
ROCKLIN, Calif. – William Jessup University Athletics is pleased to announce the hire of the new head cross country and track and field coach Collin Christensen announced by the Warrior’s Athletic Director Lance Von Vogt.
“Our goal from the outset was to locate the best coach that fits Jessup in our current state and a coach who will not only grow with us but also help us grow along the way,” Von Vogt commented. “During the process, it became clear that Collin was the right guy for the position and the coach who will move our program into becoming one of the flagship NAIA programs for years to come.”
Christensen joins the Warriors spending the past three seasons as the assistant coach for cross country and track and field at Claremont-Mudd Scripps University and prior to that a season at Biola University in 2014-15. All while coaching, the Biola University graduate went on to achieve his master’s degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University – Irvine in 2016.
Only the second coach in program history for cross country and third in track and field, Christensen brings a wealth of knowledge to the program.
Von Vogt went on to say, “Coach Christensen brings a tremendous amount of experience, energy, organization and charisma to the position, but the most impactful trait that we witnessed during the interview process was the level of care our student-athletes would receive on a day in day out basis from Collin. There is no doubt in my mind that our Warrior athletes will be placed in a position from which they can thrive.”
The Wheaton, Ill. transplant has most recently been a part of the Athena’s 2018 NCAA DIII National Champion in the women’s 5K setting a school record, as well as the men’s team placing fifth overall in 2016 at the Cross Country Championship. Overall he has coached over 100 All-GSAC and All-SCIAC student-athletes, 38 DIII/NAIA All-Americans and 19 NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athletes.
“My vision for the team is to build a team culture that promotes respect, dedication, humility and maturity,” Christensen said. “In the words of Jim Elliot, our aim is not to be a milepost on a single road, but a fork that all must turn one way or another on facing Christ in us.”
Relocating from Southern California, Christensen is joined by his wife and looks forward to starting his new chapter at William Jessup.
“It is clear to me through my interactions with WJU staff and faculty that the university is committed to the holistic development of Christ-centered student-athletes, and I am excited and humbled to be a part of that process with cross country and track and field,” Christensen explained. “We aim to be a transformative program by losing our individual identities in a team culture, a visible example of a community living for Christ and His Kingdom.”
“Throughout the national search process Coach Christensen consistently rose to the top of our list. He is a perfect match for our university and brings with him a strong, clean and clear vision for the future of our cross and track program.” Von Vogt concluded with, “I am grateful for all the work our search committee has put in leading up to this hire as we had a tremendous pool of qualified candidates and it required a tremendous amount of discernment to identify the best candidate.”
