VanHootegem Named Assistant Track Coach

Oct. 18, 2001

Coral Gables, FL – University of Miami head women’s track and field coach Amy Deem announces the hiring of Jim VanHootegem as assistant track and field coach. VanHootegem will coach field events and multi-events.

“Jim (VanHootegem) is a great addition to the staff,” says Deem. “He brings a lot of experience in the multi-events and will help continue the growth of our field events program.”

VanHootegem (33) comes to Miami from San Diego State University where he coached field events. Last season VanHootegem guided Aja Frary to a third-place finish in the heptathlon at the 2001 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

VanHootegem also coached Frary to the Mountain West Conference heptathlon title. Frary recorded a conference record total of 5,643 points and went on to be named the Mountain West Conference Most Outstanding Athlete.

“I am excited for the opportunity to work at a program like the University of Miami,” said VanHootegem. “The support given to women’s track and field by the UM administration, the level of athletes competing, and head coach Amy Deem make this one of the nation’s premier programs.”

Prior to his stint at San Diego State, VanHootegem spent two seasons at Mississippi State where he coached five NCAA qualifiers, three USATF Championships/Olympic Trails qualifiers, and 18 Southeastern Conference finalists including a SEC champion in the high jump.

VanHootegem’s coaching success has extended off the track as well with 19 student-athletes earning SEC All-Academic honors and seven athletes earning Arthur Ashe Jr. Sport Scholar distinction.

A Level II coach and instructor as certified by USA Track and Field, VanHootegem was a seven time All-American at North Central College from 1987-90. In 1989 he helped lead North Central College to the 1989 NCAA Division III indoor and outdoor national championships.