Wilkerson promoted to full-time assistant of Marietta College track & field program
Former Wilmington All-American named first full-time assistant in program's history

July 18, 2007
MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta College track & field took another important step in program history Wednesday (July 18), when Brent Wilkerson was named a full-time assistant coach.

With the promotion, Wilkerson, hired by Head Coach Derek Stanley as a graduate assistant in the fall of 2006, becomes the first full-time assistant in the 47-year history of the program.

"This position is essential in the development of our program especially in the recruiting aspect," said Stanley. "I feel Brent has the qualities to provide what is needed to help bring in a high quality student-athlete to Marietta and make us a top contender in the OAC. After working with Brent for a year, I am continually impressed with the energy and enthusiasm he brings on a daily basis."

Wilkerson, a 2006 graduate of Wilmington College, was a four-year standout with the Quakers, earning eight varsity letters in track and a host of conference, regional and national honors.

Wilkerson, a Cincinnati native, was a two-time All-American, anchoring the 4x400m relay team. He accumulated 15 All-OAC and 13 All-Ohio honors during his collegiate career. As a junior, Wilkerson was voted the Ohio Athletic Conference’s Don Frail Most Outstanding Track Athlete at the Indoor Championships, which were held in Marietta. At the meet, he won the 300m and 400m dash and anchored the winning 4x400m relay team. As a senior, Wilkerson provisionally qualified for the NCAA Division III National Championships in the 400m dash.

"I am very pleased with the opportunity to become the assistant track & field coach at Marietta College," said Wilkerson. "While I am a young coach, I am honored that both Derek Stanley and Debora Lazorik feel that I am up to the challenge. I feel 100 percent prepared and confident for our upcoming season." 

As a graduate assistant last year, Wilkerson developed and implemented the training regimen for the sprinters and was the recruiting coordinator; duties he will continue to spearhead as a full-time member of the department.

"I have enjoyed my past year at Marietta and feel that it is a perfect fit for me," said Wilkerson. "I love the sport of track & field and I feel blessed to be in this profession of teaching other men and women about it."

Wilkerson, a business administration major at Wilmington, will continue working toward his Master of Education at Marietta College, which he started last fall.

Marietta will open its track & field season Dec. 8 when it plays host to an Early-Bird Meet inside the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center.

Brent Wilkerson becomes the first full-time assistant coach in Marietta College track & field history