SPOKANE, Wash. – Gonzaga University Athletics announces the retirement of Pat Tyson, the esteemed Director of Cross Country and Track and Field and Men's Head Coach, effective June 30, 2027, after an extraordinary career dedicated to excellence in collegiate distance running and track and field.
 
"It's not easy to put into words, but I want to share that the 2026-27 season will be my final year as Director of Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track and Field at Gonzaga University," Tyson said. "After 19 incredible years with our Zag runners, I've decided that next season will be my "victory lap" before passing the baton to the next leader of this special program. Gonzaga has been an amazing place to coach, and I'm deeply grateful for the athletes, alumni, colleagues, and friends who have made these years so meaningful. Being part of this program and the lives of so many student-athletes has truly been the honor of a lifetime.
 
"I'm confident the future of Gonzaga Cross Country and Track and Field is bright and that the transition will be a smooth one for our athletes, alumni, and the entire Zag community."
 
Tyson has served as Director of Cross Country and Track and Field and Head Men's Coach at Gonzaga since the 2007-08 season, building the program into one of the premier distance running and track programs in the West Region and on the national stage. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs consistently ranked among the nation's best teams, including six straight seasons with a Top-10 West Region finish and historic Top-15 finishes at NCAA Championships. His student-athletes set new program records in every single distance in indoor, outdoor, and cross country during his tenure.
 
Highlights of Tyson's storied career include three West Coast Conference Coach of the Year honors, coaching student-athletes to seven All-American recognitions, and a decades-long legacy of competitive success and athlete development.
 
"We are incredibly grateful for Coach Tyson's years of dedicated service and leadership to Gonzaga University and our Cross Country and Track and Field programs," Gonzaga Athletic Director Chris Standiford said. "His commitment and service to our student-athletes, alumni, and the entire Gonzaga community have left a lasting mark on this program, and we look forward to a celebratory final season next year."
 
In recognition of Tyson's retirement, Gonzaga Athletics is pleased to announce Jake Stewart as the new Director of Cross Country and Track and Field effective July 1, 2027. Stewart, who currently serves as Head Coach of the Women's Cross Country and Track and Field teams, will assume oversight of the combined women's and men's programs beginning in the 2027-28 season.
 
"We are excited to name Jake Stewart as the next leader of our men's and women's Cross Country and Track and Field programs," Standiford said. "Jake has been an important part of our program, and his passion for Gonzaga make him a great fit to lead us into the future. We look forward to the continued growth and success of our student-athletes under his leadership."
 
Stewart joined the Gonzaga coaching staff in 2018 and has led the women's program to unprecedented heights, including ten NCAA Championship individual qualifiers, two straight years of a runner receiving an All-American recognition, and the highest national ranking in Cross Country program history. Under his leadership, Gonzaga student-athletes have achieved some of the program's most outstanding competitive results and academic successes.
 
"My family and I are incredibly grateful to Chris Standiford and Shannon Strahl for the opportunity to lead Gonzaga's combined Cross Country and Track and Field programs beginning in July 2027," Stewart said. "I also want to sincerely thank Pat Tyson for his support in bringing the programs together and for the remarkable foundation he has built throughout his career at Gonzaga as he prepares for retirement. We are excited to build on that legacy."