Guy Schultz has been named head coach of the Mustangs cross-country program. Schultz takes over for long-time Western coach Bob Vigars who retired this past December.
“I’m excited to begin this next chapter of Western Mustangs cross-country,” Schultz said. “It’s a chance for me to bring everything I’ve learned over the years to Western and share my enthusiasm for running. In doing that, I will also work to maintain the long tradition of excellence that Western cross-country athletes have always demonstrated at the national and international level.”
“Guy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a high-performance athlete and coach to our Mustangs cross country program,” said Thérèse Quigley, director of Sports and Recreation Services. “Guy has played an important role in the success of the Mustangs cross-country program. We are delighted that he will be leading our cross country and distance running within our track and field program.”
A former CIS and OUA champion and MVP with the Mustangs in 1997-98, Schultz takes over as head coach after three stints as a coach under Vigars that totaled 13 years. He served as an assistant coach from 1995-97 as well as 1998-2004 before returning as the team’s associate head coach in 2010. Along with his time with the Mustangs, Schultz served as an assistant coach at the University of Alberta and as an assistant with the Manitoba Bisons.
In addition to his CIS coaching experience, the Timmins, Ont., native holds a Level 3 NCCP certification and also served as the distance coach for Manitoba’s 2009 Canada Summer Games track and field team and as the track and field coach for Team Ontario during the 2002 and 2006 North American Indigenous Games.
Prior to beginning his coaching career, Schultz competed for the NCAA’s Alabama Crimson Tide from 1987-92, qualifying for the NCAA championships in cross-country as well as in track and field in the 1,500m and 3,000m steeplechase while attending the institution on a full scholarship.
Schultz, who also runs Western’s intramural programs, holds a bachelor of science in Education from the University of Alabama as well as a master of arts degree from Western. In addition to his duties as head coach of the cross-country program, he will also continue as a distance running coach for the Mustangs track and field team.