The Hillsdale College track and field team added another impressive member to its coaching staff in the fall of 2026, bringing on a successful competitor in the throws with significant coaching experience.

Jared Conklin was hired by the Chargers as a new assistant in August and will work with Hillsdale's nationally renowned throws crew beginning in the 2026-27 season.

"Jared is a great addition for our program," Hillsdale College head track and field coach Jessica Bridenthal said. "He's another person on our staff who's been an All-American as and athlete and also coached All-Americans, so he has a keen understanding of how to get the most out of athletes and build a winning foundation.

"I've known Jared, competed with him and worked with him over the years and I have great trust in his ability and his passion. I'm very excited for him to get started and to see what we can accomplish with him on staff."

Conklin comes to Hillsdale with an extensive coaching background and personal success as an athlete in the throwing events. He excelled in college at Ashland University under legendary throws coach Jud Logan, competing in the weight and hammer throw, qualifying for four NCAA DII Championship meets, and earning All-American status in the weight throw at the 2014 NCAA DII Indoor Championships.

Following his collegiate career, Conklin has worked for a decade as a throws coach with success at multiple stops. At Keystone College in Pennsylvania, Conklin coached three CSAC championship in the shot put and hammer throw, and saw one of his athletes set the CSAC women's hammer throw record in 2019. 

Conklin also spent time at Adrian College in Michigan, coaching a conference champion in the discus throw, and developed an excellent throws program at Albion College, also in Michigan, coaching several MIAA conference champions and a NCAA DIII All-American in the shot put during his tenure.

Along with his formal coaching experience, Conklin also is no stranger to Hillsdale, as he's helped the program at different times over the years on a volunteer basis. That familiarity with the institution and coaching staff means Conklin should be able to hit the ground running this season. 

Hillsdale kicks off its track and field campaign in early December, with the bulk of the indoor season taking place in January and February and outdoor track kicking off in March. The Chargers' first home meet will be the Mid-Week Multi meet on Dec. 2 and 3, 2026 in the Biermann Athletic Center, and Hillsdale will host its annual Wide Track Classic on Jan. 22, 2027.