Fresno State Director of Athletics Terry Tumey announced Wednesday afternoon the recent hiring of Jason Drake as coach of the track and field and cross country teams, according to a release from Fresno State Athletics.­

“He brings a wealth of experience from the top tiers of Division I track and field, and I trust his leadership will spark our student-athletes to achieve excellence in competition and in the classroom,” Tumey said in the release.­

Drake comes to Fresno State after nine seasons with the University of Washington where he served as associate head coach of track and field, as well as cross country for both the men’s and women’s teams.

Before his time at the University of Washington, Drake was the head coach for cross country at Washington State University where he also served as assistant track and field coach.

Drake is a graduate of Colorado University where he was an indoor distance medley team All-American.

“I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Fresno State track and field and cross country programs,” Drake said in the release. “I want to thank Terry Tumey for sharing his vision for the future of the department and asking me to be part of it. In addition, I want to thank Matt Studwell, Meredith Jenkins and the search committee for giving me this opportunity.”