Men's Cross Country | 8/17/2026 4:00:00 PM

(St. George, Utah - Aug. 17, 2026) - Josh Thompson has been named the Director of Cross Country and Track & Field.

Entering his third season at Utah Tech, Thompson will now oversee both the men's & women's cross country teams as well the women's track & field and the new men's track & field program in 2026-27.

The men's track & field program will begin competition in distance events during the 2026-27 indoor and outdoor seasons.

"I'm grateful to Utah Tech and the athletic department for the opportunity to lead the cross country and track programs, and I'm truly honored to step into this role," Thompson said. "My goal is to build a culture where athletes strive for greatness on the track, in the classroom and in life. We'll pursue excellence with passion, discipline and purpose, while also working to positively impact the Utah Tech community. The best is still ahead!"

A former collegiate distance runner at Oklahoma State, Thompson won five individual Big 12 titles, qualifying for the NCAA Championships five times. In February 2016, Thompson became the first native Nevadan to run a mile in under four minutes, posting a time of 3:58.33 at the Husky Classic before going on to take fourth at the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

After his collegiate career, Thompson signed a professional contract with Nike and joined the Bowerman Track Club in Portland, Oregon. Over his seven-year professional career, Thompson has competed in two World Championships and was a World Finalist in both the 2022 Indoor World 1,500 meters in Serbia and the 2022 Outdoor World 1,500 meters in Eugene, Ore.  

In August 2025, Thompson competed at the USA Track and Field Championships in the 1500 meters, clocking a time of 3:52.04 in Eugene. 
 
Thompson's notable achievements include winning the 1,500 meters at The Match Europe vs. USA in 2019, the 2019 ISTAF Berlin and the 2020 USATF Indoor 1,500 meters. Thompson also earned silver in the 1,500 meters at the 2022 USATF Indoor Track & Field Championship. Thompson placed third in both the 2019 USATF Outdoor Track & Field Championships and the 2022 USATF Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

He has qualified for 13 USATF National Championship meets and competed in the 2021 USA Olympic Trials, where he placed sixth in the U.S. 1,500 meters final. Thompson holds personal bests of 3:34.77 in the 1500 meters and 3:52.49 in the mile. 

The Trailblazers open the cross country season at the NAU George Kyte Classic in Flagstaff, Arizona, on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at Buffalo Park.