Coach Joel Childs Announces Resignation

After six years as the head coach of the HU men’s and women’s track and field program, Joel Childs has announced his resignation.

“We are thankful for the leadership Joel has provided for our track and field program during his six-year tenure,” said HU Athletic Director Lori Culler. “He has experienced the pinnacle of success in winning HU’s first team NAIA National title in women’s indoor track and has coached multiple individual national champions.

“He has represented the University and our Lord well as he has served his athletes.”

Under Childs’ watch, the Forester women claimed the 2020 NAIA National Indoor Track & Field team title. Not only was it the program’s first ever NAIA national team title but proved the first for any Huntington athletic team.

Childs was tabbed the 2020 NAIA National Indoor Track & Field Coach of the Year.

At the national meet, eight athletes made up the championship roster which included Aspen Dirr who was tabbed the Athlete of the Meet and Most Valuable Performer. HU’s journey to the top was highlighted by claiming three individual titles and winning two relays. In all, Childs’ crew nabbed 19 All-American honors and named 13 national champions over the three-day event.

Childs’ leadership was also key in the Huntington women’s team being named the 2021 NAIA Women’s Program of the Year as determined by their finish at each NAIA Championship in cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field. It’s a first in school history. The men’s program was also deemed one of the top programs in the nation as evidenced by finishing fifth in the standings.

In his six years as the HU skipper, Childs’ athletes have garnered 82 All-American badges, turned out eight national individual titles and three national relay titles and collected 118 All-Conference honors which includes 32 individual/relay conference champions.

A national search for the next Huntington track and field head coach will begin immediately.