HAMMOND, La. – New Southeastern Louisiana University head track and field/cross country coach Michael Rheams has announced several staff changes and additions heading into the 2022-23 season.

All hires and title changes are pending approval by the University of Louisiana System's Board of Supervisors. Rheams took over for former head coach Corey Mistretta after spending five seasons as an assistant coach under Mistretta and helping Southeastern to multiple Southland Conference championships.

A multi-time Southland Conference champion in the triple jump as a Lion student-athlete and a native of nearby Walker, Louisiana, Rheams is excited to continue the program's positive momentum. 

"Our goal is to continue to make a mark as a program on the national level," Rheams commented. "We're excited to have the opportunity to attract and develop student-athletes who can represent our university at the highest level."

Rheams announced the elevation of Brett Olsen to associate head coach. A three-time All-SLC performer for the Lions from 2013-15, Olsen primarily works with the team's throwers. Olsen mentored 2022 All-American Kristian Jackson, who finished 22^nd at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in June in Eugene, Oregon.

"Brett is a great asset to our program both inside and outside of competition," Rheams said. "His expertise and knowledge has helped us tremendously in our throws with
Kristian finishing among the nation's top performers in the discus the best example. Brett's ability to handle managerial duties has been very beneficial to our program."

After spending time as a volunteer working with the distance runners over the past two seasons, Clayton O'Callaghan has been elevated to a full-time assistant coach. O'Callaghan worked with Southland Conference Athlete of the Year Bradley Makuvire last fall.

"Clayton has been so dedicated to our program," Rheams stated. "Clayton was working another job and making time to work with our cross country student-athletes. He'll be the first full-time distance coach we've had at Southeastern and will help continue to increase the quality of our cross country program."

Another volunteer taking a bigger role with the program will be Damion Jeanpiere, who will work with the long sprinters as an assistant coach.

"We're very excited to have Damion become a larger part of our program," Rheams commented. "We call him the General because he commands respect from everyone with our program. We expect him to continue our growth in the long sprints."

Rheams' final addition is Rachelle Riley, the program's media director of operations. A former track and field student-athlete at SLU, Riley was a student reporter and anchor at the Southeastern Channel and was the inaugural recipient of the ABC Robin Roberts internship and worked under the Southeastern alumnus and Good Morning America
anchor.

"Raychelle is going to be a great addition to our team," Rheams said. "Her expertise will greatly enhance our social media presence."

The Southeastern cross country teams will open the 2022 season Friday, competing in the New Orleans Cross Country Opener. The women's 4,000-meter race is scheduled for 6 p.m. with the men's 5,000-meter race to follow at 6:45 p.m.   

PODIUM CLUB/S CLUB  
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the track and field program are encouraged to join the Podium Club. Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Podium Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern track and field program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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