Courtesy: Princeton Athletic CommunicationsPRINCETON, N.J. (7/16/12) - Mike Henderson has been named the director of track & field operations, it was announced by the Princeton men and women's track & field programs on Monday, July 16.
"We are very pleased to hire Mike Henderson as the first Director of Operations for Men's and Women's Track and Cross Country," head men's track & field coach Fred Samara said on behalf of both programs. "Mike brings a wealth of experience in both cross country and track. He is well versed in all aspects of meet management, recruiting and team travel. He will provide both the men's and women's coaching staffs invaluable assistance in every aspect of our programs."
A 2001 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus, Henderson was a four-year letterwinner for the Gusties in both cross country and track & field. He was captain of both squads, was a four-time all-MIAC runner and was named to the conference's all-academic team three times.
Upon graduation, Henderson enrolled at the University of Iowa's sports psychology graduate program and became a volunteer assistant coach with the track & field and cross country programs.
After earning his masters Henderson was named the assistant track & field coach at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa for one season.
For the last six years, Henderson has been the head cross country and track & field coach at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minn. He took on the added duty of becoming the University's sports information director in 2008.
He recruited student-athletes in all events, designed and implement training programs, and managed all team-related business, assisted with summer camps, fundraising and alumni development.
During his time as head coach, he had student-athletes earn the University's first All-America honor, three NCAA national appearances, establish 52 school records, earn 31 all-conference honors, two individual championships and six USTFCCCA all-academic awards.
Henderson has also been a member of the US Track & Field Association Minnesota Track & Field Championships Committee, worked at the US Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Ore., and has a Level I coaching certificate.
"I am extremely honored that the Princeton coaching staff has given me the opportunity to be a part of its staff," Henderson said. "It is very exciting to join a program with such a storied tradition of academic and athletic success. I look forward to contributing in any way that I can to the team's continued growth and development."
Henderson begins his duties immediately.
