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Former Concordia Throws Coach Mac Wilkins -- "I'm very excited Jarred is going to be working with Concordia as he is a recent competitor at the highest level that can bring a current perspective to the role. Jarred is dedicated to spreading the educational process to throwers of all ages and not only does he want to go out to camps and clinics across the country, but he will be able to utilize the Throw Center as a major resource for these goals." |
Concordia Head Track & Field Coach Isaac Frederick -- "I couldn't be more excited about the addition of Jarred to our coaching staff. His success as an Olympic athlete is a great asset to our group of throwers. In addition, when we met with Jarred his passion for coaching and throwing was something that was an immediate draw." |
Concordia Athletic Director Matt English -- "Jarred brings a unique blend of skills that will fit nicely at Concordia. He has competed at the highest level in the Olympics and World Championships and has coached throwers of all levels. He will continue the strong throwing tradition that Mac has built for Concordia Track & Field. Jarred will also help utilize the Throw Center to its full potential for the benefit of the local community as well as regional, national and international throwers." |
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PORTLAND, Ore.—Jarred Rome, a two-time U.S. national champion and two-time Olympian has been named assistant coach and manager of the Concordia University Throw Center, CU head track & field coach Isaac Frederick announced today.
Rome will replace former world record holder and Olympic champion Mac Wilkins, who resigned the position after seven years after being named the throws coach for the USATF Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif.
"In only a few years since the track program has started, Concordia has developed a rich tradition in the sport and I'm excited to step in and continue the success and legacy that is in place," Rome said. "Mac and the rest of the staff worked really hard to create the Throw Center. It is one of the best facilities in the country and I feel honored to have the opportunity to use such a place to train throwers to compete and win nationals."
The U.S. Olympic Trials champion in 2004, Rome competed for the U.S. in the Olympic Games in Athens and returned for the 2012 Games in London after placing second in the U.S. Trials at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field. He also represented the USA at four additional World Championships while finishing in the top three at the U.S. Championships on nine different occasions.
Rome was ranked inside the top 10 on the U.S. performance list in the discus for 13 straight years (2000-12) and was the nation's No. 1 ranked thrower in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2011. He climbed to as high as a No. 3 world ranking in 2011 with a career-best mark of 225-7 (68.76m).
"After 21 years of throwing and coaching on an Olympic level, I feel I have so much to teach student-athletes. My experience is world-wide and I have had the privilege to work with the best coaches and athletes in the world. I am very excited to teach all that I have learned. I am anxious to meet all the athletes on the team and start the season by building the appropriate programs needed for success this season."
Since Wilkins' arrival in the inaugural season of varsity track & field in 2004, Concordia throwers have claimed 24 NAIA individual national championships, including six of the last seven in the women's discus throw and 87 NAIA All-American accolades.
Over that time, Concordia track teams have captured 13 Cascade Collegiate Conference championships (7 men, 6 women) and have placed inside the top 10 at the NAIA Outdoor or Indoor National Championships on 16 occasions.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Rome has been a major presence in several national throwing camps across the United States. Serving as a coach since 2004, Rome has served as the director at the illustrious Iron Wood Thrower Development Camp (Cheney, Wash.) since 2012. He also directs the Jarred Rome Throws Clinic at multiple locations across the country and is the founder of the Rome Throwing Club.
A six-time NCAA DI All-American while competed for Boise State University, Rome earned three national distinctions in the shot put and three in the discus, becoming the most decorated track & field athlete in school history. Rome also captured three Big West Conference Championships in the discus, winning the title in 1997, 1998 and 2000. He concluded his collegiate career with personal records 62-6 in the indoor shot, 63-11 3/4 in the outdoor shot and 210-0 in the discus.
"Concordia created such a wonderful training facility. It is already world-known and because of this it needs to be utilized for training and educating purposes on all levels. Young athletes to professional will be a part of the center and educating all athletes involved. This will benefit not only Concordia and its athletes but to continue to benefit the local community as well."
Following his senior season as a Bronco, Rome placed eighth in the shot put and 13th in the discus at the 2000 Olympic Trials. He graduated in 2000 with a degree in business administration, his MBA in 20013 and was named to the university's athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.