DURANGO, Colo. — The Fort Lewis College women's cross country and track and field programs will have a familiar face taking over the reins in 2019-2020 as Brett Sublett, a long-time assistant coach with the Skyhawks, has been tabbed as the new women's Head Cross Country/Track and Field Coach.

Sublett, a 21-year resident of Durango and owner of the Durango Running Company, has worked as the assistant coach for the men's and women's cross country programs the last six seasons. He's also served as the assistant coach for the women's track and field program for two seasons, and the men's track and field program since its inception in 2018.

"I think the transition (to head coach) is going to be really easy and the thing I'm most excited about is the college stepped up and created this position," Sublett said. "I think our student-athletes deserved more individually attention and, with the more coaches we have, the more individual attention we can give to the athletes."

Sublett was a collegiate athlete at the University of Oklahoma from 1986-1989, earning a bachelor's degree in Business Finance while competing in cross country and as a 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter track athlete. He would also add a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Fort Lewis in 2005.

Following his time at Oklahoma, Sublett enjoyed a professional athletic career from 1996-2007, which included time on the road racing circuit, competing in triathlons and 11 Hawaiian Iron Man World Championship events, as well as an Olympic Trials appearance in the marathon event in 2002.

With a wealth of experience on his resume, both as an athlete and as a coach, FLC Director of Athletics Brandon Leimbach said Sublett was a perfect fit to lead the Skyhawks women's programs.

"Brett Sublett's name is synonymous with elite running in Durango. He possesses a tremendous passion for excellence in training, competition and providing a world-class student-athlete experience,"Leimbach said. "I am thrilled that he has accepted our Head Women's Cross Country/Track and Field Coach position. I have great confidence in his abilities to mentor our young women and take the program to new heights in a competitive RMAC conference."

Joshua Coon, who previously served as the head coach for all four programs, retains his role as the head coach for the men's cross country and track and field programs.

Coon fully endorsed the move to elevate Sublett into the head coaching role for the women's programs.

"I've been fortunate to coach with Brett the last two years and his wisdom, character, skill set, and passion for Skyhawk athletes is unmatched," Coon said. "Much of our success can be attributed to him. I look forward to bringing him on full-time to lead our women's programs and continue to grow FLC cross country and track and field."

Fort Lewis College is currently seeking an assistant coach for the cross country, as well as the track and field programs, to provide additional support and assistance for student-athletes.

The forward momentum with the Skyhawks' programs has Sublett excited about the future possibilities at Fort Lewis College.

"For the track and cross country programs, as a long-time Durango resident, there has been an endurance dynasty here in Durango with cycling, Nordic Skiing and running. It's going to be neat to see the Fort Lewis College running programs kind of on par with what Durango is used to with all the former Olympians who live here," Sublett said. "I think this city is tailormade for a premier distance running program. We've got the training ground and the facilities to do it."