Concordia Irvine Athletics

John Brunk joined the coaching staff at CUI during the 2023-24 season. His primary focus areas are speed and power including sprints, jumps, hurdles, relays, and multi events for the program.

Prior to joining CUI, Brunk coached for nine years at his alma mater, Chico State, serving as the women’s team interim head coach for the 2021-22 season before returning to his role of head assistant coach for the Men and Women’s teams for 2022-23.
 
During his stint at Chico, Brunk coached the Wildcats to several California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) conference championships, including multiple top 10 national rankings. Along the way, he was 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). In addition to his on-field coaching, Brunk managed team administration and recruiting activities.
 
As a coach, Brunk aims to foster a comprehensive student-athlete experience, and aid in promoting a positive team culture, growth mindset, and competitive greatness.
 
Before coaching, Brunk competed for Chico State, where he is considered one of the most decorated athletes in Wildcat history. During his 2011-2014 collegiate career he earned two All-American honors, seven All-CCAA awards and multiple CCAA championships. He was also named All-West Region seven times by the USTFCCCA. Brunk was named Chico State's Bud Hanna Male Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2014. Brunk’s success helped Chico State win four CCAA conference championships and post four national Top 25 finishes.
 
Brunk’s first All-America came in 2012, when he finished fourth in the nation in the decathlon. As a senior, Brunk scored his second decathlon All-America honor, was named USTFCCCA All-West Region in the decathlon, 400-meter dash, 4x100m and 4x400m relays, and earned All-CCAA accolades with first place finishes in the 400m and 4x100m, as well as a second place showing in the 4x400m during the 2014 conference meet. He ranks fifth all-time in the decathlon (7,351 points) and fourth in the 400-meter dash (47.66 seconds). He also was part of the third-fastest 4x400m relay time (3:11.62) in Wildcats history.
 
Brunk received a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology/Movement Studies and Coaching Administration from Chico State in 2013. He earned his master’s degree at Chico State in Kinesiology/Coaching Administration in 2015. Before attending Chico State, Brunk was a multi-sport star at Oakdale High School, lettering in track & field, basketball, and soccer.

Brunk is brother to sister Kristen, another Chico State Track & Field alum. He loves the outdoor life and spending time with his family and friends. His motto of striving to make a positive impact, every day, drives his personal and professional life.