CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Head track & field coach Mike Turk announced Tuesday that assistant coach Sarah Haveman will be promoted to head coach of the men's and women's cross country teams. Additionally, volunteer coach Nolan Fife was promoted to assistant coach for cross country.

"The choice of a new coach to lead the cross country program was an easy one, and I can't express how excited I am about the future of our cross country program under Sarah Haveman's leadership," said Turk. "Coach Haveman's knowledge of the sport, not just distance running, is outstanding. Her beliefs and methods of talent identification, creating a vision, the development process and training theory are on another level. Most importantly, Sarah Haveman is a tremendous leader focused on making a positive impact on the student athlete's experience and her vision for the program reflects an amazing trajectory."

Haveman begins her second year with the Fighting Illini after serving as assistant distance coach in 2017. Prior to Illinois, she served as the Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Dayton. In 2016, Haveman led Dayton to a runner-up finish at 2016 A-10 Cross Country Championships and third-place team finishes at both indoor and outdoor A-10 Track and Field Championships in 2017.

"I am honored and excited to move into this position," said Haveman. "I would like to thank coach Turk and our administration for trusting me with this position and for their dedication to the continual progress of our men's and women's distance program here at Illinois. There is a revived positive energy in the program and we are all looking forward to beginning practice in a few short days."

Haveman will replace Jake Stewart, who left the program to fill the same position at Gonzaga. Stewart spent six seasons as men's head cross country coach and last season as head coach of both programs. Turk wished Stewart the best as he moves on to his new position.

"Jake did an incredible job here and returned the distance program to a high level, breaking barriers that hadn't been broken in three decades," Turk said. "Gonzaga got themselves one of the top young coaches in the country and I know he will thrive there. I will miss Jake and his family and wish them all the best!"

Nolan Fife has been promoted to a full-time position as an assistant coach for men's and women's track and field after serving the past two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach for the Illini.

"It's gratifying as a leader when you can reward someone with a well-deserved opportunity," Turk said. In Nolan's time, he has proven his dedication and loyalty while earning the trust, respect and admiration of the athletes. Nolan will work in the distance events in support of and alongside of Coach Haveman."

 Prior to Illinois, Fife ran cross country at Indiana from 2011 to 2015. In his two years as a volunteer assistant at Illinois he has assisted with the Illini men's distance runners.

"I am beyond excited to join the athletic department at the University of Illinois," said Fife. "I want to thank coach Turk and our administration for this great opportunity. I look forward to joining a great coaching staff and continuing to grow the culture of Illinois track & field and cross country. As our season quickly approaches, I am eager to get our athletes back on campus to get started."

Both the men's and women's teams report for preseason camp on Wednesday. The first meet for both teams will be Friday, August 31 at the Eastern Illinois University Walt Crawford Open.

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