Contact Information for Coach Labonte
Office phone: 419-358-3898
Email: labonteg@bluffton.edu
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Gary Labonte, from Adrian, Mich., is Bluffton University’s new head men’s and women’s cross country/track and field coach. Labonte was the assistant track and cross country coach at Adrian College in Michigan for two years before accepting the head coaching position at Bluffton. |
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“I am excited to announce that Gary Labonte will join our athletics program as head cross country and track and field coach for both our men’s and women’s teams,” said Phill Talavinia, athletics director. “Coach Labonte’s NCAA Division II and III coaching experience and his awareness of the high schools in our region and southern Michigan are key elements that will help Bluffton recruit outstanding student-athletes from the area.” Labonte gained post-season experience as a graduate assistant at the University of Findlay where he mentored 12 sprinters and hurdlers who competed at the NCAA Division II National Championships. All 12 were awarded All-American honors and one was named National Champion. In addition to athletic performance, Labonte’s teams have a tradition of excelling in the classroom. At Adrian, both the men’s and women’s cross country teams earned national recognition with Academic All-American Honors. |
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“Coach Labonte’s post-season experience and his attention to his student-athletes performance in the classroom is a perfect match with Bluffton’s athletics tradition,” said Talavinia. Labonte obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Findlay. In 2000, he was named an NAIA Outdoor Track and Field All-American and in 2003 he was named an NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field All-American. |
Contact Information for Coach Smith
Office phone:
Email: smitht@bluffton.edu
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Tom Smith, a graduate of Wittenberg University, is returning for his third season as a graduate assistant with the cross country and track and field programs at Bluffton University. As a Tiger, Smith earned his bachelor of arts degree in communication, participated in four years of track & field and was involved with several clubs on campus. Smith is an assistant coach for both the cross country and track & field programs at Bluffton University and he is currently pursuing his master’s degree. |
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Travis Lepley is currently in his sixth season as the throws coach for the Bluffton track team. He has a level one certification from USA Track & Field. Lepley returned as a coach after spending four years as a member of the Bluffton track and field program as well as four-year player on the football team. A 2003 graduate of Bluffton University, majoring in mathematics with an integrated math license, Lepley served as the Student Senate President for the 2002-03 school year. Lepley was selected as a tri-captain of the 2003 track team, was a member of the 2000 HCAC championship football team and was named honorable mention All-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference in 2001 and 2002 as a center on the offensive line. |
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Lepley is currently teaching mathematics at Lima Perry High School where he serves as an assistant coach for the Perry varsity football team. He resides in Lima with his wife, Kelly, who is the assistant volleyball coach for Bluffton. |
