IRVINE, Calif. – On Thursday, Concordia University Irvine Vice President of Athletics Crystal Rosenthal introduced John Brunk as the new head coach of the Concordia University Irvine track and field teams.

Coach Brunk was promoted after serving the past three years here at Concordia as the lead assistant coach of both the men's and women's programs. Prior to that, the Sacramento native coached at his alma mater, Chico State, for nine years after a decorated athletic career with the Wildcats. At Chico State, he was head assistant coach, managed team administration and recruiting activities and even served as the women's interim track and field head coach for the 2021-22 season. He was also named NCAA Division II West Region Men's Assistant Coach of the Year in 2017 by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

"We didn't have to look to far for our next leader of our track and field program," said Rosenthal. "It has been clear since he arrived on campus that he has all the qualities we look for in the leaders of our athletics department.  While he has big shoes to fill, I am confident that John will continue to push our track and field programs to new heights and provide an amazing experience for our student-athletes.  God certainly had a plan in place for our program, and I could not be more excited to see where Coach Brunk can lead us!"

"I am grateful for this opportunity to serve and I feel confident in my ability to lead the team to success," said Coach Brunk. "In my 12 years of coaching, I have been very fortunate to serve alongside and learn from great coaches and mentors, both here at CUI and previously Chico State. 
 
VIDEO - CLICK HERE for FULL PRESS CONFERENCE with Coach Brunk & Coach Pleitez

"During my time at Chico State, I was immersed in a comprehensive coaching experience, learning alongside mentors like Oliver Hanf, Robert Nooney, and Gary Towne to name a few. I gained the knowledge of what it takes to develop and run a successful program as well as promote a competitive and positive team culture. On the track, I have been able to serve in so many capacities over the years. This comes primarily from my decathlon background, as well as being a lifetime student of track and field and the profession of coaching."  
 
"Here at CUI, the University Leadership and Athletic administration team have set such a great example and standard. The commitment to Faith, service, leadership, and sustainable excellence, have been pivotal to my growth as a coach. Furthermore, my time serving alongside and learning from Keegan Bloomfield has been so insightful, impactful and meaningful. He has set such a great example!"
 
Bloomfield had served as head coach for both the CUI women and men's programs since 2018 and officially stepped down on Wednesday. Bloomfield and his family are moving back to Nebraska and will serve at their alma mater, Concordia University Nebraska.
 
When asked to describe the current group of Golden Eagles who are hungry for what lies ahead, Coach Brunk mentioned these words: Competitive and Capable.

"Athletically, we have returning all-conference athletes, individual PacWest Champions, NCAA All-Americans, and so many more student-athletes who have made huge progress this past year," explained Brunk. "Our incoming recruiting class is very talented and will push and strengthen our returners. Academically, our team was great with a GPA over a 3.3 on both the men & women's teams."

"I believe we are in a great position," he continued. "We have an incredibly strong recruiting class, as well as returning class. We have had PacWest and NCAA success, and we are going to keep aiming high. Our goals remain, to achieve competitive greatness on the track and in the classroom, as well as fostering a high character and Christ-centered team atmosphere."

Assistant coach Matthew-Jonathan Seawright was also promoted to lead assistant. Coach Seawright has worked with Coach Brunk the past few years and primarily works with the throwers. He has excelled at developing multiple All-Americans at Concordia in recent years, including SAAC President and PacWest champion Trey Vergenz and female counterpart Julia Pisenti, who have risen to the challenge in multiple events.

Former Concordia distance runner David Pleitez was also introduced Thursday as the new head coach for both cross country teams and will work in conjunction with Coach Brunk during track and field season specifically with the distance squad.

"We have such a dynamic staff," said Brunk. "I am looking forward to working with everyone and kicking off the season. "I am also excited to welcome Coach Pleitez! He is going to do an amazing job."