LAS CRUCES, N.M. – While the Aggies are hard at work preparing for the upcoming track & field season, the program continues to add strength. On Monday, fourth-year head coach Joseph Rath announced the hiring of new sprints and hurdles coach David Verburg. In 2016, Verburg helped the United States earn a gold medal in the 4x400m relay at the Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games.
 
"David is the most humble Olympian with a gold medal that I may ever meet. He was initially overlooked in high school, but worked hard to become a very successful college and professional athlete. Now a coach, he brings the same dedication and drive, along with valuable experience and mentorship, to guide our young athletes. I'm very excited about the positive impact David will have on both their athletic and personal growth." said Rath.
 
Verburg's addition to the staff comes after serving as an assistant coach for San Jose State of the Mountain West, working under two-time national champion head coach Charles Ryan. In 2024, the Spartans recorded a third-place finish in the men's Mountain West Championships, led by Performer of the Meet Malachi Snow, who posted Mountain West Championship meet records in both the 100-meter dash and 110m hurdles.
 
At San Jose State, Verburg led Spartan student-athletes to break five school records, earn a quintet of Mountain West individual championships, and most recently helped SJSU place student-athletes in a trio of events at the 2024 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Ore.
 
"I am honored to be joining Coach Rath and his amazing staff! The track program has had a lot of success in the past, and I plan to bring my experience and love of the sport to help continue those winning ways into the future."  
Verburg attended George Mason University, where he earned All-American honors 11 times, including four indoor selections and seven outdoor distinctions. From there, his stardom continued to grow as he earned gold medals at the 2013 World Championships, 2014 Indoor World Championships, 2015 World Championships and a gold medal at the biggest sporting event in the world – the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. In the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Verburg helped Team USA take home the gold medal in the 4x400m relay; one of 121 total medals earned by Americans.
 
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
 
"After watching his career for years and especially his success at San Jose State, I believe David is a tremendous fit for the women of New Mexico State!" - Edward Williams, Head Women's track coach at VMI
 
"I'm very happy for David to have earned this opportunity.  It is always a joy to see athletes that achieved at the highest level of our sport to stay in the sport as a coach and achieve equal heights from this side. He has a great communication style and has shown the ability to transfer what he was able to do to the athletes he coaches!" - Darrell Smith Jr., Assistant Coach, Cal Poly Pomona 
 
"Coach V came in with an open mind, we adapted to the group he was with very quickly and became more than coach. He is someone that wants to see you succeed no matter the level. He has the knowledge and experience to get people to where they want to be. He is by far one of the best coaches." - Harry Overstreet, Two-time Mountain West Champion Sprinter at San Jose State
 
"Coach Verburg, was an amazing coach. Very fundamentally sounded on his techniques and workouts. He knew the right way to execute information, so that I can execute it in a race. I enjoyed him as a coach!" - Aliyah Williams, San Jose State sprinter, two-time Nike All-American 
 
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