ROCK ISLAND -- Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Chad Gunnelson has announced Kyle Flores as head coach of Augustana men's and women's cross country.

"We are ecstatic to have Coach Flores join us as our head cross country and distance coach," said Gunnelson. "He is a proven winner that has recruited, coached and led student-athletes to the highest level of our sport. Coach Flores knows what it takes to win national championships and his energy and expertise will help us elevate Augie to new heights."

Flores comes to Augustana after serving as the head men's cross country and track & field coach at Pomona-Pitzer in Claremont, Calif. since 2021 and has been a part of the staff since 2017. Since then, he has helped lead the Sagehens to two national titles, one of which came as a head coach in 2021. Additionally, he was named the 2021 NCAA DIII National Cross Country Coach of the Year to go along with back-to-back West Region and SCIAC Coach of the Year honors. Throughout his coaching tenure, Flores has coached 22 All-Americans, eight school record holders, and the DIII steeplechase record holder. 

"I'd like to thank Coach Gunnelson and Athletic Director, Mike Zapolski, for the opportunity to join their staff and lead the cross country and distance programs at Augustana College." Flores said. "Augustana College has an enduring legacy of Cross Country and Track and Field, and I am thrilled to play a role with Coach Gunnelson in this storied program moving forward. I look forward to joining the great community at Augie, working with our exceptional group of student-athletes to create an inclusive and equitable space for all athletes, and pushing for further successes for Viking Cross Country and Track & Field within the CCIW and NCAA."

Flores attended Grand Valley State University, where he graduated from in 2017. As a member of the Grand Valley State cross country and track & field teams, Flores helped the team earn two national runner-up finishes and was a three-time All-GLIAC runner.

Flores will also serve as an assistant track & field coach at Augustana specializing in distance. His duties with the program will begin immediately.