LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Coming off an impressive campaign that saw the Aggies claim four individual conference champions at the 2026 Conference USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, NM State Director of Athletics Joe Fields has announced a contract extension for Aggie Head Coach Joseph Rath.
 
"I'm excited to announce the extension of Coach Rath's contract", said Director of Athletics Joe Fields. "He has done an outstanding job leading our cross country and track & field programs, building a culture of excellence and developing our student-athletes both on and off the track. We are excited about the future of Aggie track & field under his leadership and look forward to the continued success of our programs."
 
Alongside the quartet of individual conference champions, Marlee Cavitt was named the Women's High Point Scorer of the Meet for winning both the 100m and 200m, while helping the 4x100 relay team tally points. Senior Alesha Lane earned Field Athlete of the Meet following her event championship in the shot put – while also notching a podium finish in the discus and tallying points in the hammer throw – tallying the most points by a field athlete at the championship meet.
 
"I want to thank Athletic Director Joe Fields and Assistant AD for Development Chase Kearney for their continued support and the opportunity to continue leading our program", added Head Coach Joseph Rath. "It's been exciting to work together in shaping the future of Cross Country and Track & Field. Las Cruces is a special place for my family, and I'm grateful to continue calling it home. I'm excited for what's ahead and look forward to taking our programs to new heights."
 
Joseph Rath first arrived in Las Cruces in 2016 as an assistant on the staff of former NM State Head Coach and current University of Kansas throws coach Doug Reynolds. Heading up the Aggie cross country program, Rath was named the 2017 Western Athletic Conference Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year after securing the team title with a trio of all-conference selections. The men's side saw five Aggies secure all-WAC honors in a third-place finish.
 
In 2020, the Aggies claimed the WAC Indoor Track & Field Championship behind seven individual titles – the first indoor title since joining the conference in 2005.
 
Hired on as the NM State head coach in 2021, the Aggies claimed their first WAC Outdoor Track & Field title, and first outdoor title in nearly 20 seasons in 2023. Jhana Downie earned Outstanding Performer of the Meet after claiming the 200m and 400m titles.
 
In his five seasons as head coach, the Aggies have earned 80 all-conference selections, 19 individual conference champions, and sent 31 athletes to NCAA Regionals.
 
A two-year extension will see Rath remain in Las Cruces through the 2029 season.
 
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