From Carnegie Mellon University Athletics

Head Coach Gary Aldrich of the Carnegie Mellon University track and field teams has been named Assistant Throws Coach for the 2015 Pan American Games this summer. The track and field portion of the Pan American Games takes place July 20-26, in Toronto, Canada, at CIBC Pan/Parapan Am Athletics Stadium at York University.

This marks Aldrich's third coaching stint on the national stage.  In July 2010, Aldrich served as the assistant throws coach for the NACAC (North American, Central American, and Caribbean Athletic Association) Under 23 Team and in July 2012, he served as the throws coach for the United States at the World Junior Track and Field Championships in Barcelona, Spain.

"I am thrilled to be named to my third international team.  It is a tremendous honor to be one of the coaches on such a prestigious team," said Aldrich.  "The Pan American Games have been in existence since 1942.  Many of our elite track and field athletes have and will compete in this competition."   

The third-largest international multi-sport Games, the 2015 Pan American Games will welcome over 7,000 athletes from across the Americas and the Caribbean. Qualifying standards for the event are now available and athletes will be chosen from the top finishers at the USATF Outdoor Championships. Team USA earned 10 medals in the last Pan American Games, with eight of the 10 medals coming from the field events.

"I look forward to working with the USA's top throwers," added Aldrich.  "The opportunities to be on staff for Team USA, to experience the best athletes in the world competing and training at the highest level have and will continue to help me develop as a coach.  This opportunity will better prepare me to take our Carnegie Mellon University track and field program to a higher level.  I hope I serve as an example for our current and future student-athletes that you can obtain your goals and be honored while at Carnegie Mellon University."