COURTESY OF FORT HAYS TECH ATHLETICS (June 19, 2025)

GOODLAND, Kan. - Fort Hays Tech Northwest has announced the hiring of Miguel Mendez as the Tigers' next Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach. Mendez joins the Tigers from Williston State College, where he was the Head Cross Country Coach and Athletic Academic Coordinator.

"With tremendous pedigree as an athlete as well as a number of other coaches connected to Miquel, he was high on our list of candidates," commented Athletic Director Rory Kling. "He can recruit the Midwest along with international students to get our Track and Cross Country teams on both the men's and women's sides relevant again amongst the top JUCOs in the country."

Mendez brings a wealth of experience, having coached at the high school level and across three collegiate levels (NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, and JUCO). His coaching tenure has been marked by consistent success, with his athletes achieving personal bests and excelling in conference and national competitions. 

A native of Dumas, Texas, Mendez brings his own running experience to the program. Competing at Wayland Baptist University and West Texas A&M University, he participated in cross country and track events, including the 800m, 1500m, mile, 3000m steeplechase, 5000m, and 10,000m. 

"I'm grateful for the chance to represent Fort Hays Tech as the Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach, and I want to give a big thanks to Rory Kling, the Athletic Director, and the rest of the hiring committee that made this possible," said Mendez. "I am honored and excited to become a part of the Tigers family. I can’t wait to get started and be part of the Goodland community.”

Mendez holds a Bachelor's in Business Management from West Texas A&M University and a Master's in Sports Administration from Midwestern State University. Outside of coaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Daisy, and their daughter, Miliana.