ERIC WHITSITT is new to the McNeese State coaching staff this season and will coach the athletes in all of the throwing events.

He's a two-time conference champion and a 2007 graduate of Boise State.

During his collegiate career he was the Big Sky Conference shot put champion while attending Idaho State in 2004 and was the WAC champion in 2007 at Boise State.

He also was a member of four conference championship teams, was a four time NCAA regional qualifier in the shot put and placed 16th in the 2007 NCAA track and field championship meet.

A native of Pueblo, CO, he has worked as a throws coach for the USATF and at Iron Wood High School in Chaney, WA.

As a high school athlete at South High, the McNeese coach was an all-state performer in football as a defensive end and tight end, won state titles in both the shot put and discus and was a USATF prep all-American.

He is married to the former Kacie Smith and continues to compete in the shot put for which he is ranked in the top 30 nationally.