Track & Field Cameron Brennan
Harden takes over from Jeff Kavalunas, who led both programs for past five seasons. In his first season with the Greyhounds, Harden helped coach 13 all-conference recipients, including 2021 LSC Cross Country Newcomer of the Year, Kelvin Kipkemboi, and 2022 LSC Indoor Track & Field 800-meter champion Malethabo Seema. Additionally, Harden guided Kayla Sisneros to the 2021 LSC Women’s Cross Country Academic Runner of the Year honor.”First, I would like to thank Dr. Weir and the athletic administration for giving me this opportunity to lead this program that has such great history,” said Harden. “The strength that has been established in middle and long distance that has led to some success over the past few years, will setup a great foundation to improve in other areas. My goal is to put together a well rounded team that will make an impact in this very competitive Lone Star Conference,” said Harden. “I have high expectations moving forward and I’m excited about the vision and goals for this program! I believe we have a great core group of young student-athletes who truly care about seeing this program elevate, and I believe they will help build an expectation of excellence within this program to achieve our goals,” said Harden.
Before landing in Portales, Harden spent two and a half years at Southern Arkansas University as an Assistant Track & Field and Cross-Country coach. While at Southern Arkansas, Harden worked primarily with the sprints, jumps, and hurdles for track & field. Harden coaching helped improve 33 athletes’ personal records (PR’s) and a first team all-conference finisher. Along with that, Harden was in charge of planning phases of practice and competition, as well as organizing and implementing team study for the cross country and track & field athletes.
Prior to Southern Arkansas, Harden spent time at Highland Community College as an Assistant Track & Field and Cross-Country coach, working primarily with hurdles and jumps. Harden elevated his student-athletes, qualifying to the NJCAA Indoor National meet (eight athletes) and the NJCAA Outdoor National meet (seven athletes).
Before heading to Highland C.C., Harden worked in the NAIA at Missouri Valley College as an Assistant Track & Field Coach, working with the long sprints, jumps, hurdles, and multis teams. During time there, Harden grew the overall roster of student-athletes from 13 to 30. Harden was tasked with the recruitment and development of student-athletes, along with working in fundraising, promotional, and community outreach events.
Harden got their start in coaching at Pratt Community College as Head Track & Field Coach and Assistant Cross-Country Coach. At Pratt, Harden increased the overall roster size from 11 to 40 student-athletes and was responsible for all phases of the men’s and women’s track & field program. Harden coached the student-athletes to nine school records, and qualify 26 student-athletes to NJCAA Indoor National Championships and NJCAA Outdoor National Championships over the course of two years.
Harden was a standout track & field athlete at University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC). During his time at UMKC, Harden earned three varsity letters competing in triple jump and long jump. Harden would go on to be crowned the 2015 WAC Outdoor Champion in the triple jump and earn first team all-conference selections for the triple jump on four occasions (2013 Indoor, 2014 Outdoor, 2015 Indoor, and 2015 Outdoor).
Harden graduated from UMKC with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and a minor in Communication Studies. Harden also received an Associate of Arts degree from Highland Community College.
