Normal, Ill – Illinois State University Athletics is excited to announce the latest addition to its coaching staff. Director of Track and Field and Cross Country, Jeff Bovee, welcomes Mike Turk, the former University of Illinois Head Coach and respected member of the Drake Relays Hall of Fame, as the new Assistant Coach for the throwing events, effective immediately.
Mike Turk brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having dedicated decades to collegiate track and field coaching. His coaching history includes noteworthy accomplishments such as coaching the 2015 Big Ten Men's Outdoor Championship team, serving as a Men's Throws Coach for the 2016 USATF U20 World Championship team, and working with athletes like 5-time USATF National Champion and former National Record Holder in the women's discus throw, Gia Lewis Smallwood.
Director Jeff Bovee expressed his enthusiasm about Turk's arrival, stating, "The addition of Coach Mike Turk to our staff is a tremendous boost for the overall program. It not only benefits the throwers directly but the entire program, as Coach Turk has a breadth of experience as a head coach in the Big Ten and in the MAC. He has coached Olympians in the throws and has coached All-Americans in the jumps and has a vast network of recruiting ties around the Midwest. Coach Turk shares a passion for the sport, and he will provide a positive experience for our student-athletes."
Turk, a graduate of Augustana College and 1984 CCIW Conference Shot Put Champion, began his coaching career under the legendary Paul Olsen as a student assistant at Augustana in 1985. A dedicated educator, Turk has been active in USATF's Coaching Education program, serving on the Executive Committee, as a Level 2 instructor in the Throws and Combined Events, contributing to curriculum development and materials. He has been recognized by the United States Olympic Committee for his work with the prestigious Sport Science Award for Track & Field and was honored for his contributions to the Drake Relays, where he earned a place in their Hall of Fame in 2018. His expertise and dedication to the sport will undoubtedly benefit the Redbirds' athletes.
Turk shared his excitement about this new opportunity, saying, "I am honored to join Illinois State University Athletics, Coach Bovee and this great staff. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with a dedicated group of athletes and coaches and contribute to the program's ongoing success. ISU has a tremendous tradition in the throwing events and I am eager to lay the foundations of success on and off the field to reach new heights!"
The Illinois State University Athletics community looks forward to Coach Mike Turk's positive impact on the track and field and cross country programs. His expertise and guidance will play a vital role in helping Redbirds athletes reach their full potential.
Turk Coaching accomplishments
- Three Olympic Appearances
- American Record Holder
- Four NCAA Champions
- 73 All-American honors
- 37 individual and relay Big Ten titles
- All-Time Big Ten Record in the 4x100m Relay (38.72)
- 16 Illinois school records
- 2015 Outdoor Big Ten Champions
- Placed 10th at 2015 NCAA Outdoor Championships
- Four Top-15 NCAA Championships finishes
- 2015 Cross-Country Big Ten Runner-Up
- 2015 #6 Dual Meet Ranking
- 2015 Indoor Big Ten Runner-Up
- USATF Fred Wilt Coach/Educator of the Year, 2014
- 2014 Indoor Big Ten Runner-Up
- 2013-16 Drake Relay Hy-Vee Cup Championships
- Drake Relays Hall of Fame, 2019
- USATF Joe Vigil Sports Science Award, 2018
- USATF U20 World Championships Coaching Staff - Men's Throws, 2016
- USOC Doc Councilman Science Award for Track & Field, 2015
- NCAA Midwest Region Outdoor Coach of the Year, 2015
- NCAA Midwest Region Outdoor Coach of the Year, 2014
- Big Ten Outdoor Track & Field Coach of the Year, 2015
- Western Michigan University - Assistant Coach, 1999-2001
- USATF Fred Wilt Coach/Educator of the Year, 2014
- Central Collegiate Conference Outdoor Coach of the Year, 2004
- Central Collegiate Conference Cross-Country Coach of the Year, 2003
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