GUNNISON, Colo. – Western State Colorado University Head Track & Field Coach Lindsey Grasmick announces the hiring of Derick Hinch as Assistant Track & Field Coach/Coordinator of Facilities & Events.

With the Mountaineers, Hinch will be responsible for coaching the jumps and multi-event groups while coordinating facilities scheduling for Mountaineer Athletics.

"We are excited to welcome Derick to Mountaineer Athletics! Derick brings great vision as a coach along with his successful experience as an athlete." said Coach Grasmick. She continued, "His most recent experiences as a graduate assistant at Minnesota State University, Mankato with recruiting, academic support and meet management will be a great addition to our staff.  We are confident that Derick will guide our jumps and multi event crew in a successful fashion."

Hinch comes to Western from Minnesota State University, Mankato where he served as a graduate assistant for the men's and women's track & field programs. At Minnesota State, Hinch coached the pole vault and aided in the administration of both the horizontal and vertical jumps. Additionally, Hinch coordinated academic progress meetings and study hall for track & field athletes.

Of his arrival at Western, Hinch said "I am extremely honored to join a program which has had so much success at both the conference and national levels." Hinch continued, "I have to thank Head Coach Lindsey Grasmick and Director of Athletics Miles Van Hee for giving me this opportunity. After a single meeting with both Lindsey and Miles it was obvious that we all share a common vision for future program success."

With the Mavericks, Hinch coached an NCAA DII National Champion in the women's high jump at the 2018 NCAA Outdoor Championships along with a 2018 NCAA Indoor All-American in the men's triple jump. At the conference level, he helped the Maverick men clinch their seventh straight Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Indoor Championship by nearly 100 points while the women finished as runner-up. At the NSIC Outdoor Championship, the Mavericks would replicate the feat.

As an athlete, Hinch's resume is extensive. He began his career at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, California where he was the California State Junior College Champion in 2011. After Cuesta, Hinch transferred to Arizona State University. At the 2012 NCAA DI Outdoor Championships, Hinch finished third with a personal best mark of 5.50m (18'0.5"). All told, Hinch was a two-time All-American in the pole vault for the Sun Devils and sits second on their all-time top ten list in the event.

Following graduation in 2014, Hinch continued to train and compete at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California under the guidance of coaches Kris Mack and Jeremy Fischer. While at the training center, Hinch was a 2016 Olympic Trials qualifier and also qualified for four U.S. Championships.

With a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Hinch continues his Masters in Sports Management at Minnesota State University, Mankato with an anticipated graduation in December 2018.

The Auburn, California native resides in Gunnison with his girlfriend Erin.