Western Kentucky University Director of Cross Country/Track & Field Brent Chumbley passed away unexpectedly Thursday night. He was 55 years old and is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Alex, who is a freshman at WKU.
(Editor's Note: This is a sad reminder to many of the untimely death of WKU Men’s Golf Coach Phillip Hatchett of Russellville a few years ago.)
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Coach Chumbley,” Director of Athletics Todd Stewart said. “His commitment to our student-athletes was exemplary, and he always strived to bring out the best in them in every endeavor. He was a mentor to so many in our track program throughout the years, and the attributes he instilled prepared them well for life after their athletic careers ended. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Alex, as well as all of our student-athletes during this difficult time.”
“I was saddened to learn of Coach Chumbley’s sudden passing,” WKU President Timothy C. Caboni said. “He was a gifted coach who encouraged his students to be their best. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and to the many students whose lives he touched as they process this tremendous loss.”
Chumbley was in his sixth season leading the WKU Cross Country and Track & Field programs on The Hill after being hired on Aug. 1, 2019. While at WKU, he coached 10 NCAA East Regional qualifiers and three NCAA National Championship qualifiers. Katie Isenbarger earned three All-America honors in the high jump under Chumbley’s watch, while also qualifying for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. Three student-athletes earned CoSIDA/CSC Academic All-America status and 10 individuals earned CUSA All-Academic nods.
Prior to his time at WKU, Chumbley spent 13 years at Radford University, the last 12 as the head coach for Men’s and Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country. Under Chumbley’s watchful eye, Radford produced a total of 168 All-Conference performers, 41 Big South champions, 37 NCAA Preliminary qualifiers, six All-Americans and an NCAA East Prelims champion. During his tenure, Chumbley saw 73 Highlander school records reset.
Before Radford, Chumbley spent four seasons as an assistant at Illinois State. In his time with the Redbirds, Chumbley produced a U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier, two NCAA Championship qualifiers, 17 NCAA Preliminary qualifiers, eight conference champions and 23 All-Conference performers.
In his one-year stop at Murray State, Chumbley helped produce a conference champion and 17 All-Conference performers in addition to guiding his group to four school records.
While earning his master’s degree in Teaching (Physical Education) from Hastings College (Neb.), Chumbley coached the NAIA affiliate program to new heights with two All-Americans, 12 NCAA qualifiers, one multi-event national champion and 17 school records.
A 1998 graduate from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Education and Kinesiology, Chumbley also helped the Wildcats’ program as an intern under the direction of head coach John Kenneson.
Chumbley was an All-Conference performer in the hammer throw while at Marshall University and a three-time Kentucky high school state champion during his prep days.
Between his time at Marshall as a student-athlete and when he earned his Bachelor’s degree from Kentucky, Chumbley spent three years in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., where he served as an 82nd Airborne Division combat engineer. Following his service, he spent three more years working before going back to school.
Chumbley also spent time as a volunteer coach at Georgetown College (1999) and was in participation with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.
Arrangements have not yet been finalized and will be announced as soon as they are available.
Lee Wood will serve as Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the season.