Tucson Standard

University of Arizona Athletics issued the following announcement on Aug. 7.

Arizona track & field and cross country has hired Ryan Ray as an assistant coach for the distance program.

"Ryan is the son of one of America's all-time finest distance coaches, Irv Ray," director of track & field and cross country, Fred Harvey said. "He grew up on the track learning how to interact with many of the world's best distance runners. He is the perfect complement to Bernard Lagat for our distance program because of his knowledge, personality, and relationships with some of the best high school programs in the west. Most importantly, he understands the mission of the program."

"It's a pleasure to welcome Ryan to our program and I look forward to working with him in the coming days," said coach Lagat.

Last season, Ray was a volunteer assistant cross country and distance coach at Arizona State. Prior to that, he also coached for one year at Boise State.

While at Boise State, Ray helped coach several athletes to All-Mountain West Conference, All-West Region, and All-America honors. He also worked with 2020 Mountain West indoor mile and 5K champions Ahmed Muhumed and Yukino Parle. Additionally, Ray was assistant meet manager for Boise State's indoor meets and helped with recruiting, his efforts ultimately landing several top recruits from the 2021 class.

Ray earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from North Park University in Chicago, Ill. where he competed in track as well as football.

"I am incredibly grateful to join such an exceptional and storied track & field and cross country program at the University of Arizona," said Ray. "Coach Harvey and Coach Lagat with the coaching staff are building something special and I can't wait to get to work to help the building of an outstanding program. I would like to thank Coach Lagat, Coach Harvey and Assistant Athletic Director James Franics for this amazing opportunity. I would also like to thank Coach Ihmels and Coach Hartke at Boise State University, Coach Dion Miller and Coach Henner at Arizona State University, and my Dad, Coach Irv Ray. Without you all and the opportunities you provided me with and the knowledge you shared, I would not be where I am today. Go Cats and Bear Down!"

Original source can be found here.