Parker Cowles begins his first season as an assistant coach for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley cross country and track and field teams. He will be responsible the middle and long distance runners.
Cowles comes to UTRGV after spending last year at the U.S Air Force Academy where he assisted in the development of all middle and long distance runners, including cross country. He helped guide the men’s cross country team to a Mountain West Championship while developing two NCAA Division I Cross Country All-Americans.
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He also managed travel, lodging, transportation and team meals for the track and field and cross country teams and conducted all on campus recruiting.
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Prior to his time at the Air Force Academy, Cowles spent two seasons at Barton County Community College as a cross country and track and field assistant coach. He developed the 2014 NJCAA individual cross country champion and over his two seasons he coached 16 NJCAA National Champions and 24 NJCAA Track & Field All-Americans.
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Prior to joining the staff at Barton Country Community College, Cowles spent three seasons as an assistant cross country and track and field coach at Idaho State University focusing on all steeplechase, 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter student-athletes. He guided Audrey Urlacher to a Big Sky Championship in the 5,000-meter run in 2011 and also a seventh place finish at the USATF Junior National Championships.
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Throughout his three seasons, Cowles guided five women’s and four men’s NCAA West Regional Track & Field Qualifiers
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Cowles graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2009 with a Bachelors of Science in American History and then earned his Masters of Physical Education in Sports Administration and Leadership from Idaho State University in 2011. He is also a USATF Level I certified coach and has earned his certification in USTFCCCA Program Management and Sports Science for the Endurance Events.
U.S. Air Force Academy: Director of Track & Field Operations/ Assistant Coach (2015-16)
Barton County Community College: Assistant Coach (2013-15)
Idaho State University: Assistant Coach (2010-13)
