Chadron State College Athletic Director
Joel R. Smith announced on Sunday the hiring of Jake Gruver, naming the former Eagle All-American the new Head Track and Field Coach at CSC.
"We are excited that Jake is coming back to Chadron State to take over the Track and Field program," Smith said.
Before working outside of athletics for nine years, Gruver was an assistant track coach for CSC in 2012.
During that season, the Eagles had two women's all-time records fall and one men's record. The three records still stand today. The CSC women's track team finished fourth at both the indoor and outdoor RMAC Championships, while the men were second.
As an athlete for the Eagles, Gruver was a seven-time RMAC Champion and a one time All-American. His lone All-American accolade happened in 2011 when he was a member of the schools 4x100 relay team that placed sixth. With a time of 41.10, they were the first CSC relay team to place at a national meet since an 880-yard team was third at the NAIA Meet in 1959.
In 2010, Gruver ran the 10
th best indoor 200m time in school history, clocking in at 22.15.
Outdoors, he holds the ninth and 14
th best 100m time and the ninth and 12
th best 200m time. Gruver's best time outdoors in the 100m was 10.53 and his best 200m time outdoors was 21.33, both in 2011.
"I'm impressed with the vision that Gruver has for the program and I am excited about his enthusiasm for Chadron State and his excitement and passion to return to his alma mater," Associate Athletic Director Ted Tewahade said.
