GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The cross country and track and field programs at Colorado Mesa University have undergone a reorganization.

Matt Canterbury has been elevated to the director of cross country and track and field. He has served as the head men's track and field coach since its inception three years ago. Canterbury will replace Gig Leadbetter as head cross country coach. During his time with the Mavericks he has had two men, John Cusick and Shane Niksic, qualify for the NCAA Div. II Championships.

"I am excited about the direction our cross country and track and field team is heading," said Matt Canterbury. "Merging our resources will bring additional continuity to our program. Coach Leadbetter did a great job setting the foundation for a great cross country team, and that in turn will help our young track and field team become more competitive. CMU's commitment to athletics and our facilities will help our coaching staff develop a national-caliber team."

Jason Brenton has been elevated to associate head track and field coach after serving as a part-time assistant for the past three years. Under his tutelage two Mavericks, Whitney Rowe and Bacall Sterling, have qualified for the NCAA Div. II Championships. Brenton replaces Chad Barlow who left the program at the end of the year.

"I am excited for the new challenges with this position," said Jason Brenton. "I believe CMU has a lot of untapped potential. I believe we will not only contend for conference titles but also be competitive at the national level."

Yasin Gulgan will serve as a full-time assistant focusing on throws after serving as a part-time assistant with the Mavericks last season. Prior to his time with the Mavericks he coached two years with Ego Spor Sports Club in Ankara, Turkey. He has obtained several coaching certifications through the Turkish Sports Federation. Gulgan was an accomplished athlete competing in wrestling and track and field. He was the 2001 Turkish discus champion.

"I'm very excited and happy for the program," said Yasin Gulgan. "We will have a better chance to compete with the other schools in the RMAC. I envision our throwing program to start competing on the national level in the near future."

Katrice Thomas will serve as an assistant coach for sprints. She coached Whitney Rowe who earned All-American honors in the 200 outdoors and qualified for the NCAA Div. II Championships both indoor and outdoor.

The cross country team will open the 2014 season at the Joe Vigil Open Sept. 6 in Alamosa, Colo.