Chris Mattingly returns for his second season as an assistant coach at Seattle University, concentrating on the jumps and javelin throw. A USATF certified Level II coach in the jumps and combined events, Mattingly brings 18 years of experience coaching track and field in Washington to the staff. A former track and field student-athlete at Pacific Lutheran, he is also the meet director for the Washington State High School Decathlon/Heptathlon Championships.
Helping Mattingly with the javelin and jumps, Chad Pharis comes to Seattle University as a volunteer assistant coach. Over the past two years, Pharis was an assistant coach at a middle school in West Texas, helping his students win six city championships. Pharis both competed and coaches at Texas Tech, where he won the Big 12 championship in the high jump in 2003. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in sport studies and holds a Level I USATF certification.
"We are fortunate to have Chad join our staff," Steidl said. "The team of Chad and Chris is sure to bring about some great performances this year. Chad also intends to be a member of the SU track & field family for a few years, which I am very excited about."
Chinelo Adaora Ubaka joins the staff as a volunteer assistant coach dealing with the throwers. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2008, where she consistently scored points for the Gators in the hammer throw and the weight throw at the Southeastern Conference Championships. A two-time qualifier for the NCAA East Regional in the hammer throw, Ubaka currently works at Puget Sound Vocational Services, Inc., in Lynnwood, Wash., assisting injured workers to become employable again.
"Chinelo is going to be great for our throwers. She's coming in with not only a strong personal background as a thrower, but also with a great training plan and a vision for the program. Her intention is to be a part of the SU track & field family for the next few years, which is a blessing," said Steidl
Assisting the pole vaulters on a volunteer basis is Kelly DiVesta, who comes to Seattle University after coaching at Tim Riley's Pole Vault Camps and at Seattle Academy. DiVesta was an All-American in the pole vault at the University of Washington, placing seventh at the 2007 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. She also made the top 15 at the 2005 and 2006 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships as well as the top seven at the Pac-10 Outdoor Track and Field Championships in each of her four years.
"I'm happy to welcome Kelley to our family. She comes to us with a highly competitive background in the pole vault, which she continues to build on," Steidl said. "Having been coached by one of the best college coaches in the nation, she brings great knowledge and enthusiasm to our program. She will be a great resource for our vaulters."
These coaches join assistant coaches Eric Schueffner, who begins his fourth season with the program focusing on the sprinters, hurdlers, and relays, and Uli Steidl, who will work with the distance runners. It is expected that Jama'l Chukueke, who has helped Schueffner with the sprinters, will also return as a volunteer coach.
"I'm excited about the staff we have assembled this year. This will be the first time we've had a full coaching staff, so the sky is the limit of what our team will be able to accomplish this year as well as over the next few years," said Trisha Steidl.
The Seattle University cross country and track & field program recently joined the Great West Conference and will compete in the league championships beginning this year.