Southern Utah University Track & Field and Cross Country Head Coach Isaac Wood has announced the addition of three new assistant coaches ahead of the 2026-27 season. The new hires complete the coaching staff as the Thunderbirds prepare for their return to the Big Sky Conference.
The new assistant coaches include Jake Brydson, Justin Redfearn, and Reno Tuufuli. Wood stated that the goal was to assemble a staff with a proven track record of developing elite athletes who are committed to student-athlete success both on and off the track.
Jake Brydson joins the program to work with sprints, hurdles, and jumps. A Utah native and former Utah Valley student-athlete, Brydson most recently spent three seasons at Southern Illinois. His coaching experience includes time at Missouri State and as a volunteer assistant at Oklahoma.
Justin Redfearn returns to his alma mater to serve as an assistant coach for sprints, hurdles, and jumps. Redfearn, a former SUU student-athlete, earned USTFCCCA National Coach of the Year honors in 2023 and has coached five state championship teams over the last 12 years.
Reno Tuufuli will lead the Thunderbirds' throws program. Tuufuli, who recently coached at Lehi High School, was a First Team All-American in the discus at Iowa and a former shot put school record holder. He also qualified for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials.
Wood expressed confidence in the new staff, stating the group is one of the strongest in the mid-major Division I ranks. The SUU Cross Country season is scheduled to begin with an opening meet on Friday, September 4, at Utah Valley.
