SAN JOSE, Calif. - San José State Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Charles Ryan announced Friday the addition of Olympic gold medalist David Verburg as the new assistant coach for the Spartans' cross country and track & field programs.
Verburg returns to San José State after serving as the sprints and hurdles coach at New Mexico State during the 2024-25 season. He previously helped guide the Spartans to a standout 2023-24 campaign that included a third-place finish at the Mountain West Men’s Championships, setting the stage for his homecoming to the program.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Verburg back to San José State,” said Ryan. “His championship pedigree, both as an elite athlete and as a rising coaching talent, brings world-class experience and energy to our program.”
During his time at SJSU in 2023-24, Verburg’s coaching made an immediate impact:
- Aided Spartan athletes to five new school records
- Guided athletes to five Mountain West individual titles
- Helped student-athletes qualify in three events at the 2024 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon
Verburg’s athletic career is decorated with accolades, starting at George Mason University, where he earned 11 All-American honors — four indoor and seven outdoor. He ascended to global stardom with Team USA, earning:
- Gold at the 2013 World Championships
- Gold at the 2014 Indoor World Championships
- Gold at the 2015 World Championships
- Gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, anchoring the U.S. to victory in the 4x400m relay
His Olympic gold was one of 121 medals claimed by Team USA in Rio, cementing his legacy among the sport’s elite.
While at New Mexico State in 2024-25, Verburg served as Associate Head Coach and was responsible for coaching the women’s sprints, hurdles, and jumps. Under his leadership, the Aggies broke three school records — the indoor women’s 4x400m relay, the 60-meter hurdles, and the outdoor 100 meters. His athletes also produced 25 entries on the NMSU all-time list and set 38 personal bests.
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