MOREHEAD, Ky. – Morehead State Cross Country and Track & Field coach
Clay Dixon has named Rob Springfield as an assistant coach. A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Springfield is a specialist in jumps and sprints and will work with the team directly in those areas. According to available information, he is likely the first full-time coach in the program's history.
A former All-American and NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships qualifier, Springfield was a decorated athlete for the Wildcats. He placed 16th with a mark of 24'11.25" (7.60m) in the long jump at the 2023 NCAA Outdoor Championships, a distance which ranks eighth on the school's top individuals' all-time outdoor track & field records. In addition, he was named as a United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Second-Team All-America in the event that season. He competed in at least one SEC Championship (indoor or outdoor) in every year of his five-year career, with his top finish of 10th coming in his final season.
At Kentucky, Springfield recorded multiple jumps that at the time ranked among the school's best, with his "pr" of 25'03.5" (7.71m) coming at the Rod McCravy Memorial indoor meet in January of 2023. That mark sits fourth on Kentucky's top individuals' all-time indoor track & field list. Over his collegiate career, he had 10 top-10 finishes, including winning the 2023 Rod McCravy Memorial.
"He majored in Kinesiology at UK and knows a lot of the technical aspects needed for jumps and sprints. He is smart and knows his stuff," Dixon said. "I'm confident in his ability to attract high-caliber athletes with his knowledge of jumps and sprints training."
During his time in college, he also assisted with the jumpers at state-power Bourbon County High School in the spring of 2021. The Lady Colonels won the 4th Region title that season. In addition, he served as a personal jumps coach for aspiring athletes from 2020-22.
"I chose Morehead State University because it is a great school with an excellent potential for athletic growth and performance across the board," Springfield said. "My goals here are to create winners on and off the track, and to develop track athletes that will be able dominate the OVC (Ohio Valley Conference). With hard work, faith and discipline, these goals will be accomplished. I am very thankful for this opportunity, GO EAGLES!"
A native of Louisville, Ky., Springfield graduated from Trinity High School, a program with four team titles and nearly 50 individual state champions to its credit. As a senior for the Shamrocks, he won the high jump and finished second in the long jump, while also helping the squad capture the team title, at the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Class 3A State Championships.
Springfield is a 2023 graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. He also serves as a personal trainer in the Lexington area.
What they're saying about coach Springfield:
University of Kentucky track and field head coach Lonnie Greene
"In my 36 years of coaching, I have never encountered a young college student with the zeal of Robbie Springfield. His endless desire to know more about everything track and field is second to none. I personally believe that he is the next shining star in this noble profession. He only needs time to perfect and develop his craft. His ability to work with and develop young athletes is something that only comes from the heart. I can't wait to see what the Lord has for him in going forward. I pray before my career is over, we get the opportunity to one day work together. Morehead State University got it right in the hiring of this young professional. They got a diamond, and only time will reveal his value. I am proud to have been his college coach. Our time together was awesome, and I will cherish it forever."
University of Kentucky track and field jumps and multi-event coach Kris Grimes
"Rob is a great young man with a passion for coaching and helping young people. I'm sure he's going to do a fantastic job for Morehead, and they'll be grateful that they hired him.!"
Bourbon County High School cross country/track & field head coach Drew Perraut
"I am proud to say that MSU is getting an amazing young coach. Coach Rob Springfield will be an amazing addition to the Eagles' staff. He's a motivated coach with a world of knowledge and he makes everyone around him a better athlete, and he knows how to be a champion. I look forward to watching coach Springfield as he makes his next jump in life, and I know he will make the Morehead State track and field team better every day."
Louisville Trinity High School cross country/track & field head coach Scott Holzkecht
"
Robbie is one of the most incredible athletes to pass through Trinity's track program. Despite only taking up track in March of his senior year, his natural ability coupled with high intelligence, dedicated work ethic and attention to detail made him a state champion. His competitive drive and fearlessness were unparalleled, and despite being new on the team, his leadership was key in helping Trinity win the state championship in 2018. Coach Springfield has all the tools—physically, emotionally, socially, competitively, and experientially—to help take Morehead to the next level."
