Birren to Take Over As Interim Head Cross Country Coach
8/14/2019 8:59:00 AM | Cross Country
"It's an honor to be given this opportunity by coach (Bert) Rogers and the Marquette University Athletics Department," Birren said. "Representing MU athletics alongside coach Christine (Hazel) and Bert while leading a talented group of student-athletes is a blessing I thank God for. The passion and professionalism I knew to be at the heart of this athletic department and Marquette as a whole was on full display from the time of coach Nelson's announcement to the team and staff, up until I was offered this opportunity Tuesday. I've continued to see these traits over the last seven years, and it is the reason I've loved being a part of the Marquette track and cross country family."
Before coming to MU, Birren was the head cross country and assistant track and field coach at Lindenwood University. He also took a three semester break during his time with the Golden Eagles to work as the head cross country coach at Catholic Central High School in 2015 and 2016.
Prior to coaching, Birren attended Lindenwood University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in education with a concentration in physical education.
A four-year member of the Lindenwood track and field team, he competed in long relays, from the 4x800 up to the marathon. Birren was a six-time NAIA All-American and helped his team to the 1998 NAIA Indoor Team Championship. He won the NAIA Marathon twice (1998 and 2001) in his collegiate career.
Birren helped lead his team to a second-place finish at the 1998 NAIA Cross Country Championships. Personally, he finished 15th in both the 1998 & 1999 NAIA Cross Country Championships.
Originally from Simi Valley, California, he currently lives with his wife, Jill, and two daughters, Anna and Eliana, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. His wife, Dr. Jill Birren, is a tenured professor at Marquette.
Nelson accepted the director of track and field/cross country position at Monmouth University earlier this week.