ROCK ISLAND -- Director of Track & Field/Cross Country, Chad Gunnelson, has announced the hiring of Nick Swoger as the program's Throws Coach and Director of Operations.

Coach Swoger has such passion for developing throwers and for the collective commitment to the total team," said Gunnelson. "He will make an immediate impact on our nationally-ranked throws squad in both recruiting and coaching. His interest in and work as our director of operations will enhance the student-athlete experience as well."

Swoger comes to Augustana after spending the las four seasons at St. Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona, Minn. as the Associate Head Coach of the men's and women's track & field teams. While there, Swoger guided the Cardinal throwers soar to new heights, including two individual conference champions in the women's javelin and men's hammer. Along with the two champions, Swoger also coached the St. Mary's throwers to 18 individual conference achievements and 30 top-10 marks in school history.

Before his time at St. Mary's, Swoger served as a graduate assistant coach at Auburn, where obtained his M.S. in Exercise Science. Prior to his stop at Auburn, Swoger spent five seasons throwing for
the UW- La Crosse track & field team. He earned his B.S. degree in Exercise Science from UWL.