Marian's Wise Promoted to Director of Track and Field and Cross Country

INDIANAPOLIS - On Tuesday, June 18, Marian University and Director of Athletics Steve Downing announced the elevation of Katie Wise as the next Director of Track and Field and Cross Country. Wise, who has been with the Knights coaching staff since 2017, will be the fourth head coach in program history for the track and field and cross country programs, taking over following the retirement of Michael Holman.

"I am thrilled to accept the position of Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Marian University, and it is truly an honor to lead this program," said Wise on her promotion to head coach. "I am excited to work with the talented student-athletes, dedicated staff, and supportive administration to build on the program's strong foundation. Together, we will strive for new heights, both on and off the track, while fostering a culture of hard work, dedication, and integrity. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of Marian University and I am eager to begin this exciting new chapter.

"I would like to thank Steve Downing, Dr. Ken Britt and President Daniel Elsener for believing in me and providing me with this amazing opportunity. I am also extremely thankful for Coach Mike Holman for his mentorship and wisdom over the past seven years, and I look forward to continuing the legacy he built for Marian Track & Field and Cross Country."

A decorated collegiate track sprinter herself at Indiana State, Wise takes over the Marian track and cross country programs in her eighth school year as a Knight. Over the past seven seasons, Wise has been the top assistant on Michael Holman's staff, serving as the recruiting coordinator and sprints coach. Wise has coached 18 combined Crossroads League Championships from her sprint groups, while 32 events have qualified for the NAIA Indoor and Outdoor National Championships since 2017 under her leadership. Wise has been with Marian for 18 combined men's and women's track and field Crossroads League Championships, and had athletes play a role in the program's success on the national stage, as Marian's women finished fourth in the 2023 NAIA Outdoor Championships, while the men placed third and second in the respective 2024 NAIA Indoor and Outdoor Championships.

Wise has worked one-on-one with the Marian school record holders in the men's 100 and 400 meter dash, the women's 100 and 200 meter dash, the women's 4x100m and 4x400m record holders, along with the women's indoor records for the 60 and 200 meter dash.

"I am excited to name Katie Wise as our next director of track and cross country for Marian University," said Director of Athletics Steve Downing. "I have gotten to know Katie extremely well over the last seven years, and it is now her time to lead. I'm proud to name her as the first female head coach in the program's history, and am looking forward to watching her grow in her new position."

As a collegiate sprinter at Indiana State, Wise was a First Team NCAA All-American in 2014 in Indoor Track and Field, and in the same outdoor season was named a three-time Second Team All-American. Wise earned 12 Missouri Valley Conference All-Conference honors throughout her career, and was a 16-time MVC Athlete of the Week. Wise earned three USTFCCCA All-Academic Honors, and was a three-time MVC Scholar Athlete of the Week.

Wise spent one season as a professional athlete before beginning her coaching career, during that time running for the Lifespeed Track Club. Wise was a gold and silver medalist at the NACAC U23 in the 4x100m and the 100m.

"I would like to congratulate Katie Wise on being promoted to director of the Marian men's and women's track and field and cross country programs," said Michael Holman on his former assistant. "Katie has made a smooth transition from athlete to coach and has been the backbone of our recruiting efforts for the better part of her time at Marian. With our staff and returning rosters, the Knights will continue to be one of the top programs in the NAIA under her watch."

Coach Wise will officially begin her duties as the Director of Track and Field and Cross Country on July 1. An announcement on Wise's staff will be made in the coming days.

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