Cal Athletics
Sandoval Signs Extension, Elevates Houlihan
Sandoval In Place Through 2019; Houlihan Named Cross Country Coach
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BERKELEY --- California director of track & field / cross Country Tony Sandoval has signed a three-year contract extension to remain at the helm of the Golden Bears’ men’s and women’s programs through the 2019 season.
In addition, Sandoval announced that current assistant track & field coach & associate cross country coach Shayla Houlihan has been elevated to head cross country coach.
A veteran coach with over four decades of experience at the collegiate level, Sandoval is in the midst of his 34th season as a member of the California coaching staff and ninth overseeing the men's and women's programs as director of track & field.
“I am humbled and pleased to continue to serve as Cal’s director of track & field,” said Sandoval. “I am blessed to be able to coach and mentor some of the most motivated student-athletes in the country. I am fortunate to be at a place like Cal that has such a legacy of track & field and I am excited about Shayla leading cross country.”
Sandoval initially came to Cal as head women's coach in the fall of 1982 and served in that capacity until the men's and women's teams combined into a single entity in 1992. Sandoval was associate director of track & field from 1992-2007 before taking over as director of track & field in 2008.
Over the course of his tenure, Sandoval has developed dozens of All-Americans and several national champions and Olympians. He has also earned a number of coach of the year honors, most recently being tabbed as NCAA West Region and MPSF Coach of the Year in 2014.
In addition to coaching the track & field teams, Sandoval has served as the Bears’ head cross country coach since arriving in Berkeley – a position he is excited to bestow upon Houlihan.
“I have the utmost respect for Shayla as a coach and as a leader,” said Sandoval. “Having Shayla in this role will help provide a stronger, more efficient direction for both track & field and cross country. This position is a much deserved one and I am sure she will do an excellent job.”
Houlihan began her tenure in Berkeley in 2012 as an assistant coach and has proven to be a valuable member of the Golden Bear staff in her four seasons. Sandoval has promoted Houlihan three times during her time at Cal: to assistant head cross country coach in 2013, to associate head cross country coach in 2014, and to her new position as head cross country coach.
Much of Cal’s recent success in cross country and track’s distance events can be attributed to Houlihan’s tutelage, including three Golden Bears earning cross country All-American honors – Bethan Knights, Kelsey Santisteban and Chris Walden.
"It is such an honor to be named head cross country coach of this prestigious program,” Houlihan said of the appointment. “Carrying on the strong traditions that have been built before me on and off the course is a top priority. I am looking forward to building upon what we have been able to achieve in my time here with the wealth of talented young men and women at Cal. I am grateful to Tony, senior associate athletic director Foti Mellis and Director of Athletics Mike Williams for believing in me.”
In addition, Sandoval announced that current assistant track & field coach & associate cross country coach Shayla Houlihan has been elevated to head cross country coach.
A veteran coach with over four decades of experience at the collegiate level, Sandoval is in the midst of his 34th season as a member of the California coaching staff and ninth overseeing the men's and women's programs as director of track & field.
“I am humbled and pleased to continue to serve as Cal’s director of track & field,” said Sandoval. “I am blessed to be able to coach and mentor some of the most motivated student-athletes in the country. I am fortunate to be at a place like Cal that has such a legacy of track & field and I am excited about Shayla leading cross country.”
Sandoval initially came to Cal as head women's coach in the fall of 1982 and served in that capacity until the men's and women's teams combined into a single entity in 1992. Sandoval was associate director of track & field from 1992-2007 before taking over as director of track & field in 2008.
Over the course of his tenure, Sandoval has developed dozens of All-Americans and several national champions and Olympians. He has also earned a number of coach of the year honors, most recently being tabbed as NCAA West Region and MPSF Coach of the Year in 2014.
In addition to coaching the track & field teams, Sandoval has served as the Bears’ head cross country coach since arriving in Berkeley – a position he is excited to bestow upon Houlihan.
“I have the utmost respect for Shayla as a coach and as a leader,” said Sandoval. “Having Shayla in this role will help provide a stronger, more efficient direction for both track & field and cross country. This position is a much deserved one and I am sure she will do an excellent job.”
Houlihan began her tenure in Berkeley in 2012 as an assistant coach and has proven to be a valuable member of the Golden Bear staff in her four seasons. Sandoval has promoted Houlihan three times during her time at Cal: to assistant head cross country coach in 2013, to associate head cross country coach in 2014, and to her new position as head cross country coach.
Much of Cal’s recent success in cross country and track’s distance events can be attributed to Houlihan’s tutelage, including three Golden Bears earning cross country All-American honors – Bethan Knights, Kelsey Santisteban and Chris Walden.
"It is such an honor to be named head cross country coach of this prestigious program,” Houlihan said of the appointment. “Carrying on the strong traditions that have been built before me on and off the course is a top priority. I am looking forward to building upon what we have been able to achieve in my time here with the wealth of talented young men and women at Cal. I am grateful to Tony, senior associate athletic director Foti Mellis and Director of Athletics Mike Williams for believing in me.”
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