Kansas University’s Stanley Redwine will coach Team USA at the 2007 Pan American Games July 13-29 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Redwine’s appointment – one of the most prestigious in track and field – puts the sixth-year Jayhawk track and cross country coach on a path to perhaps someday lead the United States in the Olympic Games.
“I am definitely honored. It is always an honor to represent the United States at an elite meet like the Pan American Games,” said Redwine, who will serve as head coach of the U.S. men’s team.
“It is always good to get on the podium representing one’s country. I’m really excited and most importantly want the team to do well,” added Redwine, whose announcement will be made official by USA Track and Field when Redwine’s background check is complete.
Redwine, who is in his sixth season at KU, served as assistant U.S. coach at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
He coached the competitors in the endurance running events under Team USA men’s and women’s head coaches Fred Harvey of Arizona and Monica Gary of Purdue.
Redwine also has international experience as an athlete.
As a 400-, 600- and 800-meter runner, Redwine competed in the Olympic Trials five times, was a two-time silver medalist in the Goodwill Games and won two bronze medals at the Pan Am Games. Additionally, Redwine was a World Championship track team member in 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991 and 1993 and a two-time U.S. 800 champion.
“I think that may be part of the reason I was selected. I have international experience running, as well as coaching,” Redwine said.
He will work with athletes who place in the top two in each event at the U.S. championships in June in Indianapolis.
“It’s the athletes’ job to get there. Their hard work gets them there. My job is to make sure they do well when they get there,” Redwine said. “My job is making decisions like that (organizing relay teams) and making sure athletes know what is expected of them.”
Redwine’s appointment figures to be a boost to his recruiting efforts at KU.
“I think it will bring a sense of more credibility, the U.S. acknowledging coaches like myself can get the job done,” Redwine said. “It will not change the person I am. It could help in recruiting when there is talk about representing the U.S. I’ll also be representing KU.”
Redwine said he definitely is interested in being in the mix for a future post as U.S. Olympic coach, conceivably as soon as 2012.
“That is probably the greatest honor (in track),” he said.