Pharis originally came to Seattle University in 2009 to assist with the coaching of the jumpers and the javelin throwers. As staff changes took place within the track and field program, Pharis was given the additional duty of working with the sprinters. In 2010-11, he oversaw three Great West Conference individual champions: two during the indoor season (men's 400 meter dash, women's long jump) as well as the men's javelin champion during the outdoor season.
"I am thrilled to announce the hiring of Coach Pharis as a full-time assistant coach. We've had the pleasure of working together for the past two years, and I'm looking forward to what the future has in store for us," head track and field coach Trisha Steidl said. "We are a dynamo team. Our philosophies complement one another, and our goals for the program are in sync. The next few years are going to be exciting!"
Before coming to Seattle University, Pharis had served as an assistant coach at a middle school in West Texas, helping his students win six city championships. He competed and coached at Texas Tech, winning the Big 12 championship in the high jump in 2003. Pharis graduated from Texas Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in sport studies and holds a Level II - Jumps USATF coaching certification.
The Seattle University track & field team will compete as an affiliate member of the Great West Conference for the third and final year in 2011-12 before moving to the Western Athletic Conference July 1, 2012.