Oliver Hanf Named Men's Track & Field Interim Head Coach

Chico State Women’s Track & Field Coach Oliver Hanf will also handle the head coaching duties for the men’s program this spring on an interim basis. Hanf takes the reigns from the legendary Kirk Freitas, who retired this fall after 33 years.

Of Freitas’ many good decisions, recommending the hiring of Hanf – about to begin his 16th season – was one of his best. Hanf has led the Wildcats to three consecutive California Collegiate Athletic Association championships.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have someone the caliber of Oliver to step into this interim role,” said Chico State Director of Athletics Anita Barker. “I’m confident that he will keep the program headed in the right direction.”

A four-time CCAA Coach of the Year, Hanf has coached four NCAA Champions, 37 All-Americans, and 54 CCAA champions.

He’s also enjoyed success coaching the program’s decathletes and heptathletes, helping guide J.J. Noble to the 2001 NCAA Championship and J. Patrick Smith to the NCAA title last year.

Hanf is also proud of the fact that his student-athletes have consistently excelled in the classroom. Fifteen of his Wildcats earned CCAA All-Academic awards last year.

Prior to taking over the Chico State women’s track and field program, Hanf served as head coach of the Butte College men’s and women’s cross country and the men’s and women’s track & field teams.

In high school, Hanf earned seven varsity letters in football, wrestling, and track & field. He competed as a nationally ranked decathlete for Chico State, scoring 6,888 points in 1991. Hanf earned All-Conference honors as a high jumper, clearing 6-feet-9 in 1992.

Hanf transferred to Chico State after attending Diablo Valley College and earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1992. He earned his master’s degree in biomechanics at Chico State in 1995.

Hanf and his wife, Shari, have been married since 1993 and have two daughters, Jessica and Sophia.