Robison Named BYU Men's Track & Field Head Coach

PROVO -- BYU men's athletics director Val Hale today announced current Cougar assistant Mark Robison has been named the successor to veteran head coach Willard Hirschi as the head men's track & field coach. Continuing in the tradition-rich history of BYU Track & Field, Robison will assume his new position following the 2000 season.

"We are thrilled to have another Robison heading the BYU men's track & field program," Hale said. "Mark is passionate about BYU track, having spent his entire life around the sport. I am confident he will continue the winning tradition established by his father, Clarence, and carried on by Willard."

Robison's appointment comes after Hirschi today officially announced his retirement, effective after the 2000 season, ending his 48-year affiliation with BYU and his 13th year as head coach. Hirschi, a 16-time indoor and outdoor Conference Coach of the Year, took over the head-coaching responsibilities at BYU in 1988. Since that time, Hirschi, a native of Rockville, Utah, has gone on to dominate the Western Athletic and Mountain West conferences, winning a total nine outdoor titles and 12 indoor conference championships, including the first-ever Mountain West Conference Indoor championships in February.

"Coach Hirschi has been the dominant men's track coach in the Intermountain West for the past 13 years," Hale said. "He has also established a reputation as one of the best sprint coaches in the world. We will miss him and wish him all the best in his upcoming retirement."

Robison, son of legendary track & field coach Clarence Robison, has served as an assistant coach for the past 15 seasons, including the last 13 years as a full-time assistant. An all-state performer at Provo High School, Robison graduated from BYU in 1982 with a degree in physical education. As a student at BYU, Robison was a four-year letterwinner, competing in the 800- and 1,500-meters. Following his collegiate career, Robison served as head coach for three seasons at Idaho Falls High School in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Robison returned to BYU in 1985 as a part-time assistant coach and completed his masters degree in 1986. In 1988, Robison was elevated to a full-time assistant and has been working with the jumpers, throwers and multi-event athletes for the past 12 seasons. Robison has been directly involved with as many as 13 All-American athletes during his tenure at BYU.

"I have appreciated the opportunity to work along side Coach Hirschi over the past several years," Robison said. "He has made this day possible for me. For as long as I can remember, BYU Track & Field has been a part of my life. Some of my fondest memories as a young boy are at the track, watching and meeting some of the finest athletes BYU has ever produced. Seeing the influence my father and Coach Hirschi have had in the lives of the athletes over the years, has made following in their footsteps a life-long dream.

"The future of BYU track is bright. We have some wonderful athletes already here, a great group of athletes in the mission field and combined with some outstanding local prospects, we look to continue the winning tradition at BYU."

Robison, 43, is married to the former Jaye Lynn Monsen. The couple have six children; Nathan (20), Nicole (18), Aaron (15), Isaac (11), Alexander (5), Cameron (2).