Aurora University Announces New Coaching Hirings

AURORA, Ill. August 5, 2008 - Aurora University has hired two new head coaches within its highly successful Athletic Department. Ryan Chapman is the new men’s and women’s cross country and track and field coach, while Jabari Harrell has been inked to take over the men’s tennis program.

Chapman comes to AU from Washington University where he has served as an assistant coach on the men’s and women’s cross country and track and field teams since the fall of 2005. Prior to that, he was a volunteer on the coaching staff of Florida Atlantic University’s cross country team.

“Ryan’s high energy and very strong DIII philosophy regarding the student-athlete experience will lead to the continued growth of our programs,” said AU Athletic Director Mark Walsh.

Chapman’s coaching background includes numerous honors and awards, including being a member of the University Athletic Association (UAA) Women’s Indoor Track Coaching Staff of the Year (Winter 2008), the Midwest Region Women’s Coaching Staff of the Year (Fall 2007), and the UAA Women’s Cross Country Coaching Staff of the Year (Fall 2007).

Chapman ran collegiately at nearby Augustana College, where he earned a B.A. in English. He also holds a M.F.A. in creative writing with an emphasis on fiction.

Harrell takes over a men’s tennis program in an athletic department in which he is already familiar. “Jabs,” as he is commonly called, has served as an assistant coach on the men’s basketball team since 2002, and was a four-year basketball standout from 1997-2001. He currently serves as Director of Student Activities and Multicultural Programming.

“Jabari has a unique opportunity to interact with our non-athlete population as well as our student-athletes in his Student Life role and will provide the organization and continuity for the program,” stated Walsh.

During his time with the men’s basketball team, Harrell has handled numerous duties which have included assisting Coach Lancaster on game days, working with the junior varsity program, film breakdown and recruiting— experiences that will surely help him with his new position.

Harrell is a 2002 graduate of Aurora University and earned his degree in recreation administration. As a player, Harrell was named NIIC All-Conference as a sophomore, junior and senior, as well as Co-Conference Player-of-the-Year his senior season. In 1998, he was a part of the first-ever NCAA Division III playoff team; he returned to the playoffs with the Spartans in 2001.

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