Bates College Men's Track And Field

In June of 2021, Curtis Johnson, associate head coach of men's and women's track and field, was appointed head coach of Bates men's cross country and track and field. In 2022, Johnson transitioned to leading the men's and women's track and field programs. Johnson succeeded long-time Bates head coach Al Fereshetian, and became the men's program's third head coach since 1952. He joined Bates' men's and women's track and field coaching staff as an assistant coach in 2016, and was promoted to associate head coach of both programs in 2019. "I am honored to transition into the role of head coach of the Bates track and field programs," Johnson said upon his appointment. "I owe tremendous thanks to Bates leadership for recognizing me for this opportunity, and positioning me to both continue these programs' traditions and to achieve new successes. I'm especially thankful to coach and mentor the amazing student-athletes that make it all happen." Johnson has proven to be a highly effective coach at Bates since the 2016-17 academic year, focusing primarily on sprint events for the men's and women's teams and serving as the primary strength and conditioning coach for sprints, hurdles, jumps and women's cross country. His organizational skill and attention to detail continued to be of vital importance during the gap in competition in 2020 and 2021 caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past academic year, Johnson has worn a number of hats while making vital contributions around campus, including as an interim program coordinator in the Office of Intercultural Education. Born and raised in New Jersey, Johnson is a graduate of American International College, where he was a seven-time NCAA Division II national qualifier and a three-time All-American. Between 2012 and 2014, he competed at the NCAA Division II Championships in the 800 meters, in two 4x400 relays, in three distance medley relays, and in cross country. Johnson earned a B.A. in communications in 2014, and went on to earn a master's degree in public administration from the University of New Haven in 2016. "My passion for track and field led me to Bates, but my experience here is what has kept me," said Johnson. "Over the last five years, I've learned first-hand that our community represents a high level of success and unique character, and our cross country and track and field programs are no different. My goal will be to continue recruiting and developing student-athletes who seek impactful roles in our community, success as student-athletes, and continuous challenge as a whole person. Finding this competitive balance is very important to our team's success at the state, NESCAC and NCAA level."

Rick Smith begins his first year as Bates College Men's and Women's Track & Field Coach, specializing in pole vault. A resident of nearby Auburn, Maine, Smith recently served as both the indoor (since 2018) and outdoor (2023-24) track coach at Edward Little High School. Rick earned a Bachelor of Arts (psychology) and Master of Science (counseling) from the University of Southern Maine.

The Bates track and field program welcomed Coach Danny Colina as throws specialist and strength and conditioning coach prior to the 2021-22 academic year.  A standout thrower at both Keene State College and Mt. Ararat High School in nearby Topsham, Maine, Colina still owns the Maine state high school javelin record that he set in 2004, before going on to a Division III All-America career with the Owls. Colina previously assisted at UMaine-Farmington, where he led top conference performers in only their third year as a varsity track and field team. His throwers were named both conference and regional athletes of the week on numerous occasions, helping to jumpstart a newly developed track program. Prior to UMaine-Farmington, Colina assisted at Johns Hopkins University, developing Centennial Conference champions in all throws events as well as breaking long-standing school records in the hammer, javelin, and discus for both the men and women. Colina also served as a strength and conditioning coach at St. Anselm’s Abbey School in Washington, D.C., where he managed multiple programs each season. At Keene State, Colina achieved the following accolades: All-America in the javelin, two-time NCAA Division III national qualifier, at one time ranked first in Division III in the javelin, and two-time Little East Conference Champion in the javelin. In addition to coaching the throwing events for men's and women's track and field, Coach Colina serves the Department of Athletics as a strength and conditioning coach.