SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Cade Burks has been named the assistant coach for distance and cross country, it was announced today by Director of Track & Field Kenny McDaniel.

Burks competed at Northern Arizona from 2017-21 where he was an NCAA West Preliminary qualifier in the 1500. He also earned all-Big Sky honors as a member of the Lumberjacks' distance medley relay team at the 2019 Big Sky Indoor Championships.

"It gives me great pleasure to announce that Cade Burks has join our staff as our new distance coach," McDaniel said. "Within five minutes into the interview, I could sense he was a student of distance running. I wanted a coach with a high level of track/cross country acumen and someone who has been around a championship culture. Cade's passion and programming  caught my attention during the early process for this position. Cade is an ardent proponent of caring for the student-athletes and making sure they are having a positive experience overall. Cade's experience as a NAU distance runner will serve him well as he adjust to his new role."

The hiring of Burks completes the Sacramento State coaching staff for the 2023-24 year. Head coach Kenny McDaniel will be joined by Carl Caughell (jumps/multis), Ashley Dewitt (throws), Kyra Jefferson (sprints/hurdles) and Burks.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

"I've always felt Cade Burks had a great mind for coaching and have no doubt he will bring his experience in championship culture to the student-athletes at Sacramento State."

Mike Smith
NAU Director of Cross Country and Track & Field (Cross Country 2022 Co-National Champs)
 
 
"This is a great opportunity for Cade. I am excited for him and the student-athletes at Sacramento State. He is passionate about distance running, but also a team player. He will work hard to build the cross country program, but will also be there to support all aspects of the T&F program."

Eric Heins
Indiana Head Cross Country Coach, 2016  NCAA D1 Men's Cross Country Coach of The Year