INDIANAPOLIS - Jerry Schumacher (Portland, Oregon), whose Bowerman Track Club athletes in 2017 won three medals at the IAAF World Championships, as well as an historic marathon victory, has been named USATF's 2017 Nike Coach of the Year, USATF announced Monday.
Schumacher will be honored at the 2017 Jesse Owens Banquet on Saturday, December 2 in Columbus, Ohio, as part of the USATF Annual Meeting. Tickets are available online.
"Jerry has become one of the world's greatest coaches, and the consistent success of his athletes is a testament to that fact," USATF CEO Max Siegel said. "He and his athletes have helped lead the resurgence in American distance running. USATF congratulates him on this richly deserved honor."
Schumacher's Bowerman Track Club athletes highlighted one of the strongest years for American distance athletes in modern history. At the World Championships in London, Amy Cragg became the first American since 1983 to win a medal in the women's marathon at the World Championships, Evan Jagertook home bronze in the men's steeplechase, and Courtney Frerichs provided one of the most shocking and memorable moments of the meet when she won silver in the women's steeplechase. Shalane Flanagan closed out the year for the group in historic fashion, grabbing national headlines when she became the first American woman in 40 years to win the TCS New York City Marathon.
"Winning this award is a great honor," Schumacher said. "It's a reflection of all the hard work and trust the athletes put in our team every day, and I'm so appreciative of their belief and commitment. The team we've built in Portland wouldn't be possible without the work of Coach Pascal Dobert, Nike, and the many others who have helped grow and support the Bowerman Track Club.
"I truly believe that this concerted, team-oriented effort is what makes our group special. I also want to recognize the work of our former athletes; their commitment has in many ways laid the groundwork for this year's success. Finally, I'd like to thank USATF for recognizing the team we've built and continue to build in Portland. Their support has been critical and will continue to be so moving forward."
A state-champion high school runner and a collegiate all-American at the University of Wisconsin, Schumacher later coached the Badgers for 10 years before moving to Portland in 2008, heading up what is now the Bowerman Track Club. The group placed seven athletes on the Team USATF roster for the World Championships, with all qualifying for the finals of their event based on place (a DQ kept one athlete from competing in her final).
For more information on the history of the Nike Coach of the Year award, visit the USATF website.
