Berea College Men's Track & Field

Katie Collins joined the Mountaineers for her first season as an Assistant Coach prior to the 2024-25 season, specializing in the hurdles, high jump, and sprints. “I am very excited for the addition of Katie Collins to our track and field staff," Coach Michael Thomas said. "We have a talented group of young women and men hurdlers and jumpers who will learn much from Katie’s expertise and continue the program's success in that event area." In her debut 2024-25 campaign, Collins made an immediate impact, helping lead the women’s program to the 2025 HCAC Indoor Track & Field Championship title. Under her mentorship, the Mountaineer sprinters and hurdlers accounted for several podium finishes, contributing essential points to the team's historic victory. During the outdoor season, Collins coached multiple athletes to All-Conference honors, including Ashyia Maddickes in the high jump and a standout performance by the women’s 4x100m relay team. Prior to coaching at Berea College, Collins spent five years coaching at the high school level with Berea Community, Madison, and Floyd County Schools. Personal & Educational Background: Collins is a 2020 graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, where she earned a Bachelor's in Biomedical Sciences with minors in Psychology and Chemistry. She competed in indoor and outdoor track and field for the Colonels for four years, primarily specializing in hurdle events. Collins has since established a career as a public school teacher and earned her Master’s in Education. A Kentucky Appalachian native, Collins has competed in track & field for 15 years. Her mission is to positively impact lives by fostering an environment where athletes can grow both on and off the track, just as her coaches did for her. Outside of coaching, her hobbies include running, hiking, crafting, cooking, and reading.     Awards: ·                 HCAC Coaching Staff of the Year, Women, Indoor 2025

Valerie Kendrick joins the Mountaineer coaching staff following a stellar athletic career, specializing in the shot put, discus, hammer, and weight throw. A native of the region, Valerie’s journey reflects the strength and resilience of the Appalachian spirit. A quality she now seeks to instill in every athlete she coaches. “I am incredibly excited to welcome Valerie Kendrick to our coaching staff,” Head Coach Michael Thomas said. “Having watched Valerie compete at such a high level throughout her career, I’ve always admired her technical discipline and her ‘mountain-tough’ mentality. She was a powerhouse in the circle at UPike and a vital leader for them. To have a coach who has competed at the highest level and understands the grit required to succeed in the throws and in the classroom is a huge win for our student-athletes. I know her heart for this region, and this program will inspire our throwers to reach new heights.” A Legacy of Excellence at the University of Pikeville Before joining the coaching ranks at Berea, Valerie established herself as one of the premier throwers in the region during her time at the UPike. Her career highlights include: Shot Put Specialist: Valerie consistently dominated the shot put, boasting a massive college best of 12.99m (42' 7.5"). She was a frequent winner at major meets. Discus Standout: A versatile athlete, she achieved a career-best mark of 41.07m (134' 9") in the discus, ranking her among the top competitors in the conference. Conference Championship Success: Valerie was a perennial podium threat in the Mid-South Conference and the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC), securing multiple top-5 finishes at conference championships in both indoor and outdoor seasons. Proven Versatility: Her expertise extends across all throwing disciplines, with significant marks in the Weight Throw (12.12m) and Hammer Throw (37.29m). Mentorship & Vision As a coach, Valerie bridges the gap between elite athlete and technical mentor. Drawing from her years of competing at the highest levels, she focuses on the meticulous nuances of the events. Her mission is to foster a supportive environment where throwers can find their own power, ushering in a tradition of "Mountain Strength" for years to come. Personal & Educational Background: Valerie is from Rockcastle County and graduated high school from Rockcastle County High in 2021. Valeries studied secondary education with an emphasis in biology at the University of Pikeville and graduated in 2025.

Kymiah Blair transitions into her role as an Assistant Coach while maintaining her status as one of the most decorated sprinters in Berea College history. Since beginning her career under Head Coach Michael Thomas, Blair has been a cornerstone of the program’s championship culture. “It is a truly special moment to see Kymiah transition from a program-defining athlete to a leader on our coaching staff,” Head Coach Michael Thomas said. “She has been a part of the heart and soul of our sprints program for years, and her journey from a determined freshman to an elite competitor is a beautiful testament to her character. Kymiah’s deep love for this team and her unique ability to inspire those around her make her the perfect mentor for the next generation of Mountaineers. I am honored to have her helping us lead this program forward.” Athletic Career Milestones Blair’s impact on the track is defined by her record-breaking drive and consistent podium finishes: NCAA National Qualifier: A two-time All-American and a four-time NCAA Championship qualifier in the 200m and 400m. 2025 HCAC Indoor Record Holder: Cemented her legacy by setting the HCAC Conference record in the 200m and 4x400m relay during the 2025 indoor championship. Historic Team Impact: A primary point-scorer for the 2025 Women’s Indoor team that captured the first-ever HCAC Championship title in school history and the 2024 Women’s Outdoor team that captured the CCS Outdoor Championship. Championship Sprinter: Multiple-time conference champion and podium finisher across the 60m, 100m, 200m, and 400m. School Record Holder: Currently holds or has contributed to multiple school records, including the 100m, 200m, 400m, the DMR, and the 4x400m relay. All-Conference Distinction: Earned numerous All-Conference and All-Region honors throughout her tenure in both the CCS and HCAC, including the 2023 CCS Outdoor Track & Field Athlete of the Year and the 2025 Most Outstanding Sprints/Hurdles Athlete of the Year Leadership & Coaching Philosophy As an Appalachian native and elite athlete, Kymiah brings a unique "player-coach" perspective to the Mountaineers. Her expertise in sprint mechanics and block starts is matched by her commitment to the program’s holistic values. Her mission is to use her experience to mentor the next generation of Mountaineer sprinters, helping them navigate the mental and physical demands of high-level collegiate competition

Isaiah Riggs enters his third year as an Assistant Coach, specializing in distance and cross country. “Isaiah has shown a relentless drive and passion for the sport that you don’t find often,” said Coach Michael Thomas. “He has constantly learned more each day to be the best he can for the program. I am truly excited for the team to continue striving for success in the distance and middle-distance events, with him helping guide them.” Riggs began his coaching career in 2023, working with both the men’s and women’s cross country teams. That year, the women’s cross country team featured four All-Conference members, including Runner of the Year Madison Stonestreet and Rookie of the Year Muhorakeye Joyeuse. He also assisted the men’s team, which finished 3rd at conference, with two All-Conference athletes—including individual Runner of the Year Robert Immell. In the 2024 indoor and outdoor track & field seasons, Riggs assisted with the throws program, coaching two women’s and one men’s athlete to CCS conference scoring, including an All-Conference athlete in the javelin. In fall 2024, Riggs continued to make an immediate impact in his second year, helping Madison Stonestreet win the 2024 HCAC women’s cross country individual championship and contributing to the women’s team finishing 2nd overall with three All-Conference and one Honorable Mention honoree. On the men’s side, he helped guide one All-Conference performer and the team to a 7th-place overall finish. Building on that momentum in the 2025 track & field season, Riggs played a pivotal role in the program’s transition into the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC). During the indoor season, he helped lead the women’s team to their first-ever HCAC Indoor Championship title. His distance and middle-distance athletes contributed vital points, including a strong performance by Madison Stonestreet in the 5,000m and 3,000m and Muhorakeye Joyeuse in the 800m and 3,000m. Austin Gatewood in the 800m. He also oversaw continued all-conference performances from Austin Gatewood in the 800m. In the fall 2025 cross country season, Riggs continued to develop a competitive distance culture. He helped guide the women’s team to a 5th-place finish at the HCAC Championships, where Madison Stonestreet and Muhorakeye Joyeuse once again earned All-Conference honors and E Chambers earned honorable mention. On the men's side, he helped the team navigate a competitive field at the conference meet and the NCAA Great Lakes Regional, ensuring the Mountaineers remained a presence on the regional stage.   Personal & Educational Background: Hailing from Maysville, Kentucky, Riggs graduated from Mason County High School in 2020. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science with a concentration in Fitness and Wellness Management from Eastern Kentucky University in 2024. Certifications: USTFCCCA Endurance Specialist Certification USATF Level I Certification ALTIS – Coaching the Javelin & Hammer Certification ALTIS – Coaching the Shot Put & Discus Certification Awards: ·          HCAC Coaching Staff of the Year, Women, Indoor 2025

Tristan Petrey joined the Mountaineers for his first season as an Assistant Coach prior to the 2024-25 season, specializing in the pole vault and men’s multi-events. “All-American pole vaulters don’t grow on trees, but luckily he was right here in our backyard,” Head Coach Michael Thomas said. “He has a resume that has helped him learn that nothing is given and everything is earned in our sport. I am fully confident he will help our pole vaulters and men’s multi-athletes reach greater heights.” In his inaugural season with the program, Petrey’s technical expertise was on full display as he coached the Mountaineers through a successful 2025 campaign. During the Indoor season, he was instrumental in the women’s team capturing the HCAC Indoor Championship title, with his pole vaulters contributing critical points to the team total. The outdoor season saw continued success, as Petrey guided the vaulters on the men’s and women’s programs to scoring positions. Prior to coaching at Berea College, Petrey volunteered at the Kaizen Pole Vault Club as a coach beginning in 2024. A standout athlete for the Patriots, he was a four-year letter winner and competed his final two seasons under Bradley Sowder. Petrey’s athletic pedigree includes being a three-time NAIA All-American, a six-time Mid-South Conference Champion, and the school record holder in both the indoor and outdoor pole vault. During his senior year at Cumberlands, Petrey was a key member of the 2024 Indoor and Outdoor Mid-South Championship teams, as well as the 2024 NAIA Indoor and Outdoor National Championship squads. Personal & Educational Background: Petrey is a 2024 graduate of the University of the Cumberlands with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. A native of Richmond, KY, Petrey is a 2020 graduate of Madison Central High School. Awards: · HCAC Coaching Staff of the Year, Women, Indoor 2025