Chris Aschemann is in his first year at Quincy University and is the track and field head coach. Track and field is something Aschemann has been doing for a long time, ever since he was 14.

Aschemann was a two-sport athlete in high school and college. He played football and ran track and field. Track and field was ultimately his number one sport, as football wasn’t the coaching direction he wanted to go.

Before Quincy University, he was at Dakota Wesleyan in South Dakota, before that he was at a small school in Kentucky, and before that he was at Graduate Assistant at Central Methodist in Missouri.

Aschemann has a lot of experience to bring to Quincy University. From participating in track and field since he was 14, to coaching at different schools and gaining experience at those schools and learning from other coaches at the universities he was at prior to Quincy University.

He isn’t only going to bring experience; he says he is going to bring a family feel and aspect to the team.

“I am originally from Carbondale; my dad’s side of the family is all from Quincy. My dad went to Quincy Notre Dame, my cousins went to Quincy Notre Dame. My dad actually graduated with Caren Kemner,” Aschemann said.

He was actually recruited to go to Quincy University for track and field but decided to go elsewhere.

“Very close ties to the university. I was actually recruited here as one of the first members of the track program here but ended up not going here. QU was closer to home, have family here, and it was an opportunity to step into a program at the division 2 level and really make an impact,” Aschemann said.

The track and field program has a lot of potential this year. They have a returning All American, Paden Lewis, who will be an athlete to watch out for this season.

De’andre Cornwall, Taryn Sargent, and Faith Haggard are returning for the Hawks this year.

Aschemann says he’ll bring changes to the program.

“The big thing that’s going to be a change is a little bit more structure. When it comes to day-to-day practice, week-to-week, just over-arching structure throughout the year. Constantly progressing and constantly trying to get better,” Aschemann said.

Aschemann is heading into his first year as the track and field head coach. He is someone with experience, and someone who plans to bring a family atmosphere to the program.

He has learned and gained his experience from his time running, and by being a coach at other schools.