July 16, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- Diego Flaquer has joined the Samford track and field staff as an assistant coach, announced Samford head coach Rod Tiffin Thursday. He will assist with all aspects of the program, including coaching sprinters and hurdlers and assisting with the multi-event athletes.

"I don't think we could have hired a better person as our new sprint and hurdle coach," Tiffin said. "Diego has a wealth of experience at all levels of intercollegiate coaching. I am sure he will make an immediate impact on our sprint and hurdle group. I look forward to working with him for years to come."

Flaquer comes from Auburn University where he served as the administrative assistant for the track and field program. He assisted the head coach Ralph Spry and 1992 Olympic Coach Mel Rosen with the male sprinters and hurdlers. While at Auburn, Flaquer had the opportunity to assist in the development of sophomore Michael Devahen an Indoor 200-meter All-American as well as the 4x100-meter relay team that finished seventh with All-American honors in the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Prior to his one-year stint at Auburn, Flaquer worked at Troy University where he helped the men's team finish third at the Sunbelt Conference Championships. He coached Desmond Brown who broke a 20-year-old record in the 400-meter hurdles and qualified for the Mid-East Regional Championships as well as Leander McKenzy who broke the school record in the 110-meter hurdles. Flaquer also assisted in the development of Tawanna Meadows who qualified for the NCAA championships as well as the Olympic trials in the 100 meters.

Flaquer graduated from Virginia Intermont College in 2007 with a degree in health and physical education. While at VIC, he served as the head sprints and jumps coach for the Cobras. In 2006, he was selected as the NAIA National Assistant Coach of the Year for the sprints area in the indoor season after helping the Cobras to a runner-up finish at 2006 NAIA Championships. In 2007, he served as the interim head coach and helped several athletes to All-American honors. He also assisted in three consecutive NAIA Cross Country National titles.

"I am extremely thrilled to have the opportunity to join the coaching staff here at Samford University," Flaquer said. "I absolutely believe that Samford is an institution that can provide many great opportunities for the student-athletes to grow in their daily walk with God, as well as academically and athletically during their academic career. With all of these components plus the facilities and the beautiful campus here, I feel that will be very competitive in the upcoming years with the coaching staff Coach Tiffin has put together, and I am extremely excited to contribute to the his vision of success."