OU T&F Announces Ebel as Throws Coach

NORMAN — University of Oklahoma head track and field coach James Thomas announced the hiring of Pat Ebel as head throws coach on Monday.

Ebel joins the Sooners after spending nine seasons at Auburn, where he directed the throws program to one of the best eras in school history. Ebel has produced four Southeastern Conference champions, one NCAA runner-up, eight school record holders, 15 All-Americans and 25 NCAA qualifiers.

"Coach Ebel is stepping into a vital role here at Oklahoma, and I can't think of anyone more ready for the challenge," said Thomas. "Our throwers have always set the tone for toughness, culture and work ethic in this program, and with his experience and leadership, I know that standard will only get stronger as we move through this transition."

"I am truly grateful to athletics director Joe Castiglione and Coach Thomas for the opportunity to join the University of Oklahoma track and field family," said Ebel. "It's an honor to be part of such a tradition-rich program, and I look forward to working with our student-athletes to build on the Sooners' proud legacy of excellence."

Prior to his tenure at Auburn, Ebel coached at Penn State from 2013-16. There, he mentored 18 All-America selections, including 2016 United States Olympian and 2015 Big Ten Outdoor Athlete of the Year Darrell Hill.

Before Penn State, Ebel spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. During his time there, Ebel helped his student-athletes earn 53 All-America honors and 36 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles.

In 2011, Ebel was named National Indoor Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association.

Ebel is a 1992 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he was a member of the football and track and field teams. He and his wife, Sandy, have two children, Lauren and Erik.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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