Dayton Flyers

The University of Dayton has announced that Sarah Haveman has been named the Flyers’ new head women’s cross country and assistant track (distance) coach.  Haveman replaces Sarah Hinkley Steinwachs, who stepped down after marrying and moving out of state.

Haveman comes to Dayton from Purdue University, where she was an assistant in track and cross country since the winter of 2011.  She had full responsibility for the distance group and her runners showed great improvement over her five competitive seasons (2011 indoor, outdoor and cross country, and 2012 indoor and outdoor) with them.  Four runners moved into the Purdue top five all-time in the events, with two of them qualifying for the NCAA First Round meet in Jacksonville, Fla.

A fine collegiate runner in her own right, Haveman competed for the Purdue in cross country and track and field from 2006-10.  As a senior, she qualified for the 2010 NCAA Outdoor Championships in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. She made huge strides throughout the year, taking third place at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships at Indiana University, placing fifth at the NCAA Championship East Preliminary Rounds and breaking the Purdue record to qualify for finals at the NCAA National Championship meet.

“I am absolutely thrilled to join the staff at the University of Dayton,” Haveman said.  “I cannot wait to get started.  I believe in the potential of this program, and am looking forward to coaching our team to conference championships, NCAA qualifications and All-American titles.  I’d like to thank the University for bringing me on board and giving me this great opportunity.”

A six-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and a member of the USTFCA national all-academic team, Haveman received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Purdue in 2010.  She was named Purdue’s Distinguished Scholar-Athlete and the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner as a senior.

Haveman takes over a cross country program that finished second in the Atlantic 10 and a school-best ninth at the NCAA Regionals last fall.  Three of the five runners who scored at the regionals return, led by All-Atlantic 10 performer Lizzie Gleason, who will be a junior.