ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- University of New Mexico head track and field coach Matt Henry announced that Lori Nolte has been named assistant track and field coach. Nolte was a talented heptathlete at UC-Berkeley and had been the assistant track and field coach at Normal Community West High School in Normal, Ill. before joining the New Mexico staff. She replaces former assistant coach Katarina Zuber.

Were very pleased and excited to have Lori with us, said Henry. She has the same background as Mark (Henry) and I in that she comes from a track and field family and has been around coaching her entire life. Lori doesnt have any collegiate coaching experience, but neither did Mark or I when we started. What we share is a lifelong passion and knowledge of the sport of track and field. Were all in the same situation and were all going to be taking steps forward together.

A 1997 graduate of Edward C. Reed High School in Sparks, Nev., Nolte earned a scholarship to UC-Berkeley to compete in the heptathlon for the Bears. After a successful athletic career, she went on to graduate from Cal with a degree in Social Welfare in 2000, just six semesters after enrolling. After graduation, Nolte joined the staff at Normal Community West High School (2001-02), where she coached hurdles, high jump, throws, directed the strength training program and helped head coach Steve Destris girls team to a 2002 conference title. Nolte also worked for two years (2000-02) as a personal trainer at Golds Gym.

Nolte compiled an impressive athletics resume while at Reed High School. An all-state and all-conference competitor in the 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles and high jump, she captured the Nevada state title in the 300-meter hurdles as a junior in 1996. Nolte was also one of the top prep heptathletes in the country, ranked 12th in the nation and competing at several prestigious meets, such as the BYU Invitational (1st place) and Great Southwest Track and Field Classic (3rd place). Named Academic Athlete of the Year in 1997, Nolte also lettered four years in cross country and three years in basketball, and was a team captain in both sports.

Like the Henrys, the Nolte family has a strong track and field tradition. Loris father, Dave Nolte, was the head coach for 25 years at Reed High School, where he led the Raider girls to a staggering 22 Nevada state track titles. The Reed track and field facility was recently named in his honor of his achievements at school. Loris younger sister, Amber, was also a standout track and field athlete at Reed and was signed by the Henrys in 2001. Currently a sophomore at New Mexico, Amber set the school indoor pole vault record last year as a true freshman.

Im really looking forward to the opportunity to work with and learn from the Henrys, said Lori Nolte. I love the city and Im excited to be here. I want to recruit a top heptathlon team, get some outstanding women to come to UNM and help this great program continue to rise.a

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