BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - Illinois Wesleyan University Director of Athletics Mike Wagner announced the hiring of Todd Lowder as IWU's Head Men's Track and Field Coach Tuesday, June 29. Lowder volunteered with the track and field program this past season.

Lowder's addition is part of a restructuring of the track and field coaching staff. Chris Schumacher, who will enter his 25th-year at the helm of the program in 2021-22, will assume the role of Director of Track and Field and serve as the Head Women's Track and Field Coach. Veteran Head Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach Greg Huffaker will also have his role elevated to  Associate Director of  Track and Field. 

"Todd's impact on our track and field team, and our department as a whole, over the past year has been incredible," Wagner said. "I am excited to bring him into the Titan family as our Head Men's Track and Field Coach. Todd quickly rose to the top of a very talented group of candidates due to his personality and passion for the total development of student-athletes. His drive to help them achieve their goals will strengthen our program from day one, while his commitment to recruiting the best and brightest to IWU will lead to a great future for the men's program." 

"The men's program just took a big step forward with the addition of Coach Lowder," Schumacher added. "He had a tremendous positive impact in his year as a volunteer assistant. On behalf of our entire staff and the men's and women's programs, we are truly fortunate to be adding such a strong coach, teacher, and role model to our track and field family."

Most recently, Lowder was a volunteer on Schumacher's staff and Illinois Wesleyan's Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach. Lowder's role with the track and field team included assisting and managing the sprints group of both the men's and women's squads. 

"I am honored and excited to accept this position," Lowder exclaimed. "I look forward to representing such an incredible program and institution. I have a passion for helping people build on their personal strengths and identifying opportunities for development to achieve a higher level of performance. I will strive to create a program that allows student-athletes to bring their best and authentic self to the track each day, while promoting an environment of inclusivity."

No stranger to the Bloomington-Normal community, Lowder is the founder and head coach of Central Illinois Track Club. An organization he began in 2015, the Central Illinois Track Club achieved an AAU top-100 status under his development of area athletes. 

An entrepreneur, Lowder created Fitness Quest Personal Training in 1997. He has held the position of President and Head Coach since its inception. 

Lowder earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science from Christopher Newport University in 1994. He is currently completing a master's in exercise science from Liberty University.