June 2, 2007

LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech assistant coach Jon Murray was named the women's Midwest Region Distance Assistant Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Association as announced on Saturday, June 2nd. Murray, the head cross country coach, has instructed female indoor and outdoor national qualifiers Sally Kipyego and Irene Kimaiyo during this past track and field season.

With the assistance of Murray, the Texas Tech women earned their highest national indoor finish after placing 10th. The effort was lead by sophomore Kipyego's two national titles. The Kenya native took the crown in the women's 3000M and 5000M. With the victories, Kipyego became the most titled individual in Tech history after only two seasons (2006 cross country and 2007 indoor track).

During the 2007 outdoor season, which will conclude with the NCAA Championships June 6-9, Murray coached Kipyego to the NCAA record in the women's 10000M as she ran a mark of 31:56.72 at the Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational on April 29th. Both Kipyego and Kimaiyo earned qualifications to the national meet in Sacramento, Calif., finishing first and fifth, respectively. Kipyego ran the country's top 5000M time of 15:19.72, with Kimaiyo earning the 11th best at 15:58.41.

Murray, a 1991 Harding University graduate, is in his second year as assistant coach at Texas Tech. Prior to his appointment with the Red Raiders, he served five years as the Abilene Christian head cross country and track and field coach.

USTFCCCA honored the top assistant coaches in the four regions in the following categories: men's and women's sprints/hurdles, distances, jumps/combined events and throws. Coaches from each region vote on the award winners. The Division I Assistant Coaches of the Year are selected on the basis of both indoor and outdoor accomplishments.