Milan Donley Named Kansas Relays Meet Director
Nov. 1, 2006
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
University of <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>Kansas assistant track and field coach Milan Donley has been named the new Kansas Relays Meet Director, Kansas Athletics announced today. Donley, who has spent the past six seasons coaching KU’s horizontal jumpers, succeeds Tim Weaver in managing one of the oldest and largest track and field meets in the nation. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
Donley brings an impressive resume to the position, having been involved in track and field as a coach and administrator for over 20 years. In his six years at Kansas he has coached three conference champions and guided three KU athletes to All-America status. He was rewarded for his efforts by being named the 2005 Midwest Region Assistant Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association.
“It is very exciting for me. I have been coaching for 24 years in Division I and this is definitely a career change for me,” Donley said. “I have been involved in putting on track and field meets throughout my career, but to put on the Kansas Relays is a tremendous honor. It’s one of the top college meets in the country and is nationally recognized. It’s a great honor and I think there are a lot of great times ahead in putting this event on.”
“My family is very supportive and excited about this position. My wife has been involved in track and field in one way or another since she was young and she ran in the Relays when she was in college.”
“My fellow coaches here are very excited for me. We have a great group of coaches and it has been nothing but strong support.”
Prior to coming to Kansas, Donley oversaw the development of 17 All-Americans, two national champions, four Olympic team members, two U.S. champions and two American record-holders while holding various track and field coaching positions around the country. As head coach at EastTennesseeState, Donley was named Southern Conference Coach of the Year three times. He guided 54 individual Southern Conference champions, two All-Americans and his teams set 25 school records. Donley also served as an assistant at the University of Arkansas, where he mentored eight All-Americans and 15 SEC individual champions.
Donley earned his level I and II instructor’s certificates and was the USATF women’s triple jump development coordinator from 1990-93. He also directed several track and field camps while at Arkansas, East Tennessee State, Illinois and AdamsState.
“We are confident that Coach Donley has the talent and passion to capitalize on the Kansas Relays’ recent resurgence and to make the Relays an even more impressive meet,” Kansas Athletics Director Lew Perkins said. “Milan’s organizational skills and his knowledge of collegiate track and field make him an excellent choice to lead the Kansas Relays.”
Donley will remain as the Kansas horizontal jump and multi-event coach through the rest of the season until a replacement can be found.
