DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University track & field program announced the addition of Laron Brown and Anna Bearss to its staff on Wednesday, Aug. 3.
 
"I believe this is one of the most talented mid-major staffs in the country and I think we will quickly make an impact in the Midwest and Missouri Valley Conference," Drake track & field and cross country head coach Jay Koloseus said. "While young this is a seasoned division one group. I can't be more excited about what each person brings individually in energy, passion and experience. Now it is time to show the NCAA what Drake can do."
 
Brown will serve as the associate head track & field coach for sprints, jumps and hurdles. Bearss joins as the associate head cross country coach and assistant track & field coach for distance.
 
"The energy and passion that Jay brought to this process is a reflection of how he approaches everything," Drake director of track & field Blake Boldon said. "His efforts brought together a national-caliber staff, which is exciting for our student-athletes, alumni and all those who support our program. After Zane Chapman's meaningful contributions with our throwers over the last five years, I'm delighted that he remains a key member of the staff. The addition of Laron and Anna as leaders in our department is an exciting boost to Drake track & field and cross country. Their experiences and attributes position each of them very well to pour into our current student-athletes and attract the next wave of Bulldog standouts. I'm thrilled to work with this group to continue to elevate our sport in Central Iowa and beyond."

Brown comes to Drake from his alma mater, Kent State University, where he was an assistant coach since October of 2018.

In addition to working with the sprinters and hurdlers at Kent State, Brown also worked with the middle distance runners. Brown previously spent two years on staff at Michigan, serving as a program assistant and recruiting coordinator. His efforts landed the Wolverines' 2018 recruiting class a No. 6 national ranking from MileSplit.

Prior to his stop at Michigan, Brown was an assistant coach at Capital University, in Bexley, Ohio where he guided three all-conference performers in his lone season. Brown began his coaching career as a volunteer assistant at Kent State during the 2015 season.

"Laron is simply the entire package," Koloseus said. "In recent years he has built a reputation as a top hurdles and sprints coach in the Mid American Conference. Priot to that was recruiting coordinator and director of operations at Michigan's dominant power five program. Coming from a family of successful athletes and being a decorated track star in his own right, he entirely knows what it takes to be great. Laron is more than capable of leading a program, so I am truly grateful to have him by my side as we aim to take on the best in the NCAA." 

A three-year letter winner and two-year captain for the Golden Flashes, the Dayton, Ohio native earned multiple All-MAC honors. Brown was part of the 4x400 relay team that snagged first at the 2013 MAC Outdoor Championships. In 2014, he anchored the 4x400 relay team that set the school record at the Tennessee Relays and led off for the 4x100 relay team that qualified for the NCAA East Preliminary round.

Brown graduated from Kent State in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in political science with a specialty in international relations.

"I am so excited for the opportunity to become a Drake Bulldog," Brown said. "I can't wait to help lead the student-athletes of an outstanding track & field/cross country program. I would like to thank Jay Koloseus for his belief in me to serve as the associate head coach of Drake track & field. With tremendous support surrounding the program from Blake Boldon and Stephanie Sledge, I am confident that we can and will achieve record breaking championship heights. I look forward to proudly representing Drake University."
 
Bearss arrived at Drake from the University of Akron, where she was the head women's cross country coach and assistant track & field coach since September of 2021.

Bearss joined the staff at Akron after a short stint at fellow Missouri Valley Conference member Bradley University. Prior to Bradley, she spent three years at South Dakota State University, where she coached the women's distance and middle-distance athletes as well as assisting with the men's program.
 
With Bearss' tutelage, South Dakota State swept the 2020-21 Summit League Cross Country Championship, including the school's first women's title since 2008. The Jackrabbit women set six school record in events ranging from the 800m to the 10,000m. During the 2021 season, multiple program records fell with individual Summit League titles claimed in the 800m, 5000m and 10000m.
 
"Anna comes to Des Moines with head coach experience," Koloseus said. "I have had the privilege to get to watch her blossom into a stellar coach over the years. Once this opportunity presented itself, she quickly became an obvious choice. Anna has helped guide teams to conference championships and has a reputation as a tenacious recruiter. I cannot wait to see her positive impact as a Bulldog."
 
Before South Dakota State, Bearss was an undergraduate assistant coach at another MVC opponent Indiana State University from January 2017 to May 2018 while working with long sprint and distance athletes. As a student-athlete, Bearss spent one year with the Tulsa cross country and track programs in 2014-15. She boosted the Golden Hurricane to the 2014 American Athletic Conference title and garnered all-conference accolades by finishing 12th overall.
 
A native of Rochester, Ind., Bearss earned her bachelor's degree in political science from Indiana State in 2018 and her master's in sociology from South Dakota State in 2021.
 
"This opportunity is truly an honor," Bearss said. "I'm excited to join a program that's not only backed by rich history and tradition, but one that is gaining momentum and has high standards set as we look to the future. Together with Jay Koloseus and the rest of the staff, goals are set that we support and develop well-rounded athletes who achieve at the highest levels this sport has to offer. I look forward to a passionate pursuit of these dreams and visions in upcoming seasons and am eager to get to work serving the student-athletes and athletic community in Des Moines."
 
What they're saying about Coach Brown
"I am very pleased to see Laron take the next step in his career as the associate head coach for the Drake Bulldogs. Laron's skill set will be a perfect fit to lead the sprints and hurdles at Drake University. Best of Luck and congratulations to Coach Brown and Drake."- Bill Lawson, Kent State University director of track & field (retired) 
 
What they're saying about Coach Bearss
"Coach Bearss did an outstanding job coaching the distance group at Akron. The distance runners contributed significantly to helping us win two track & field team championships. She also coached our cross country team to our best finish in several years. I know she will continue that type of success at her new position."- Dennis Mitchell, University of Akron head track and field coach (retired)