Dec. 19, 2012

STANFORD, Calif. - Chris Miltenberg, Stanford's Franklin P. Johnson Director of Track and Field, has announced that John Oliver has joined the Cardinal coaching staff, primarily to work with the men's distance and middle-distance runners.

Oliver, who comes to Stanford from Syracuse University, will assist with both the cross country and track and field programs. He replaces Garrett Heath, who is focusing on his professional running career.

Besides coaching, Oliver will assist with other aspects of the program, such as recruiting and equipment needs. Oliver was at Syracuse for three seasons serving in much of the same capacity, taking over director of operations duties for the Orange in 2011.

The St. Louis native ran cross country and track for North Central College in Naperville, Ill., under the legendary Al Carius, graduating in 2009. The Cardinals have been an NCAA Division III power in cross country and track, winning 11 of a possible 12 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin team championships in cross country, and indoor and outdoor track during Oliver time there, as well as challenging for national cross-country titles.

"I'm very excited to get to work with Coach Miltenberg and the great staff he has put together," Oliver said. "I'm looking forward to working at Stanford due to the fact it offers the perfect atmosphere for the student-athlete. It's one of the top academic institutions in the country and competes at the highest level of athletics."