Eastern Michigan Athletics
EMU Announces Track & Field Reorganization
6/5/2024 2:00:00 PM | Men's XC, Women's XC, Men's Track & Field, Women's Track & Field
Sue Parks shifting responsibilities as Chris Best and Sterling Roberts named co-directors
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University's Track & Field program has long been the standard for success throughout the Mid-American Conference with 93 combined team titles across cross country, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field. To ensure future success, EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee and Director of Cross Country/Track & Field Sue Parks announced a strategic reorganization plan for the legendary program heading into the 2024-25 season.
On July 1, Parks will transition to a more hands on role as the Associate Head Coach for Women's Track & Field while retaining her capacity as the Head Women's Cross Country Coach. Meanwhile, longtime assistants Chris Best and Sterling Roberts will share the leadership responsibility of the track & field programs as co-directors. Best will become the Co-Director of EMU Track & Field/Head Coach of Women's Track & Field, while Roberts takes over as Co-Director of EMU Track & Field/Head Coach of Men's Track & Field. Mark Rinker will remain as the Head Men's Cross Country Coach while assisting the distance runners during the track season. Assistant coaches Evan Brusich, Nick Green, and Christian Hubaker will also retain their current duties within the program.
"We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of excellence within our track & field program," said Wetherbee. "This reorganization reflects our strategic vision for sustained success and provides a solid foundation for our student-athletes and coaching staff to thrive. After years of dedicated leadership, Parks will return to what she does best and that's directly impacting our student-athletes through invaluable mentorship and guidance. We are also thrilled to be able to reward Chris and Sterling for their passion and belief continuing to grow this program. Their collective experience and expertise will drive the continued success of both teams."
"After so many great moments as a head coach and director, I started thinking about what I wanted the next chapter of my coaching career to look like," added Parks. "I decided that I wanted to return to my roots and spend more time working with our student-athletes. I'm a very competitive person and I love to win but my journey has always been about the people. My greatest pleasure as a coach has been seeing athletes improve and reach their goals. It has been an honor to be a leader at two different schools in the MAC but I'm ready to pass the director baton off to two deserving co-workers. Thank you to Scott Wetherbee and Dan McLean for working out a great plan for me and for the future of EMU Track & Field/Cross Country. I couldn't be more grateful for the support that I've received during my entire time at Eastern."
The 2023-24 campaign marked the fourth season as the Director of Cross Country/Track & Field and 18th overall at Eastern Michigan for Parks. With a career marked by numerous accolades, Parks has consistently led her teams to success both in the MAC and on the national stage.
Under her guidance, EMU's track & field and cross country teams have achieved remarkable feats, including multiple league championships and individual titles. All told, Parks has been named the MAC's Coach of the Year 16 times (Indoor Women's Track & Field - 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2023, 2024; Women's Cross Country - 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019; Indoor Men's Track & Field - 2021, 2022, 2023; Outdoor Track & Field Women's - 2016; and Men's Cross Country - 2020) while leading 18 EMU teams to conference titles (MXC - 2020, 2021; WXC - 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019; MITF - 2021, 2022, 2023; WITF - 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024, and WOTF - 2016). Parks' coaching prowess has also seen her athletes excel individually with numerous All-American honors.
Parks' dedication to her athletes extends beyond the track, as she is known for her mentorship and guidance. Her leadership has not only shaped successful athletes but also contributed to the development of a winning culture within the program.
Before her tenure at EMU, Parks enjoyed success at Ball State University, where she won eight MAC titles (WITF - 1996, 1998, 2001; WOTF - 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001; WXC - 2003) and eight MAC Coach of the Year accolades. She has also served in various leadership roles at the national level, advocating for the interests of NCAA cross country.
All told, Parks has collected 26 MAC titles and 24 Coach of the Year honors.
The Parks family is synonymous with winning as her father, Bob Parks, is the most decorated coach in Eastern Michigan Athletics history. Bob's teams captured 31 MAC titles in cross country and track & field, and he was named the league's Coach of the Year 22 times. His teams won six NAIA and NCAA team titles, and he was named NCAA National Coach of the Year once and Regional Coach of the Year nine times.
An EMU alumna, Parks' roots in the Ypsilanti area run deep. Her outstanding career as both an athlete and a coach has left an indelible mark on EMU athletics, earning her a place of honor in the E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame.
"It's truly an honor to be able to lead one of the most historic programs in the MAC," remarked Best. "Eastern has a rich history not just at the conference level but also nationally and internationally. It's a great feeling to have so much trust from Scott Wetherbee, Dan McLean, President Jim Smith, and the rest of the Eastern Athletic Department. I couldn't have done this without the amazing student-athletes that have helped shape me not just into a better coach but a better person. I would like to thank fellow Co-Director Sterling Roberts who isn't just a coworker to me but an amazing mentor and friend. Lastly I would like to thank Sue Parks for believing in me from the first day I got to Eastern Michigan. She has always pushed me to set my goals high and put in the work to achieve them. Her trust in me has given me the belief that I'm ready for this next chapter of my life."
Currently serving in his fourth year as Associate Head Coach and 10th overall on the coaching staff, Best's tenure has been marked by consistent success, particularly in the sprinting events.
Under Best's guidance, EMU sprinters have achieved remarkable feats, including numerous MAC championships and NCAA qualifications. Notable achievements include EMU's dominance in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays, with multiple conference titles and record-breaking performances. Best's coaching prowess extends beyond collegiate competition, as he has mentored athletes to success on the international stage, including gold medal performances at the NACAC Track & Field Championships and Paralympic Games.
A former student-athlete himself, Best's coaching philosophy is grounded in his experience as a sprinter at Liberty University. His holistic approach to coaching encompasses not only technical training but also mentorship and development, resulting in the continued success of EMU's track and field program under his leadership.
"Bob Parks was my head coach when I was an athlete here, so it's very special to be able to follow in his footsteps and take up this mantle after his daughter, Coach Sue Parks," Roberts said. "I am thrilled to be able to have this opportunity alongside my new co-head coach, Chris Best, who has been my colleague, sounding board, and friend these past 10 years. I want to thank President Smith, AD Scott Wetherbee and our sport AD Dan McLean, for placing their faith and trust in us to continue this great legacy. I am grateful to John Goodridge for bringing me back to my alma mater to begin my EMU coaching career. I am also exceedingly thankful for Coach Sue Parks' support and guidance during my career and especially after our transition to a combined men's & women's program. Lastly, I want to thank all of our EMU Track & Field and Cross Country alumni all over the world for their continued and undying support they show us. We truly are a family."
Roberts is a seasoned coach with a remarkable career spanning over a decade at Eastern Michigan, where he currently serves as Associate Head Coach. With a specialization in hurdles, jumps, and sprints, Roberts has played a pivotal role in EMU's track and field success.
Throughout his tenure, Roberts has overseen numerous record-breaking performances and championship victories. His hurdlers, including athletes like Angel Gazaway and Almighty Williamson, have shattered school records and secured impressive finishes at NCAA championships. Additionally, Roberts has mentored standout jumpers such as Formula Thompson and Baboucar Salla-Mohammed, who have excelled both domestically and internationally.
Roberts' coaching prowess extends beyond collegiate competition, as evidenced by his work with Olympians Donald Scott and Tori Franklin. His dedication to athlete development and recruitment has earned him recognition, including multiple Coach of the Year awards in the conference.
Roberts graduated from Eastern Michigan in 2003 where he was a four-year varsity track student-athlete. He was a two-time All-MAC award winner, while he also was a member of the 4x400m relay team that won a MAC Championship in 2002.
On July 1, Parks will transition to a more hands on role as the Associate Head Coach for Women's Track & Field while retaining her capacity as the Head Women's Cross Country Coach. Meanwhile, longtime assistants Chris Best and Sterling Roberts will share the leadership responsibility of the track & field programs as co-directors. Best will become the Co-Director of EMU Track & Field/Head Coach of Women's Track & Field, while Roberts takes over as Co-Director of EMU Track & Field/Head Coach of Men's Track & Field. Mark Rinker will remain as the Head Men's Cross Country Coach while assisting the distance runners during the track season. Assistant coaches Evan Brusich, Nick Green, and Christian Hubaker will also retain their current duties within the program.
"We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of excellence within our track & field program," said Wetherbee. "This reorganization reflects our strategic vision for sustained success and provides a solid foundation for our student-athletes and coaching staff to thrive. After years of dedicated leadership, Parks will return to what she does best and that's directly impacting our student-athletes through invaluable mentorship and guidance. We are also thrilled to be able to reward Chris and Sterling for their passion and belief continuing to grow this program. Their collective experience and expertise will drive the continued success of both teams."
"After so many great moments as a head coach and director, I started thinking about what I wanted the next chapter of my coaching career to look like," added Parks. "I decided that I wanted to return to my roots and spend more time working with our student-athletes. I'm a very competitive person and I love to win but my journey has always been about the people. My greatest pleasure as a coach has been seeing athletes improve and reach their goals. It has been an honor to be a leader at two different schools in the MAC but I'm ready to pass the director baton off to two deserving co-workers. Thank you to Scott Wetherbee and Dan McLean for working out a great plan for me and for the future of EMU Track & Field/Cross Country. I couldn't be more grateful for the support that I've received during my entire time at Eastern."
The 2023-24 campaign marked the fourth season as the Director of Cross Country/Track & Field and 18th overall at Eastern Michigan for Parks. With a career marked by numerous accolades, Parks has consistently led her teams to success both in the MAC and on the national stage.
Under her guidance, EMU's track & field and cross country teams have achieved remarkable feats, including multiple league championships and individual titles. All told, Parks has been named the MAC's Coach of the Year 16 times (Indoor Women's Track & Field - 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2023, 2024; Women's Cross Country - 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019; Indoor Men's Track & Field - 2021, 2022, 2023; Outdoor Track & Field Women's - 2016; and Men's Cross Country - 2020) while leading 18 EMU teams to conference titles (MXC - 2020, 2021; WXC - 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019; MITF - 2021, 2022, 2023; WITF - 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2024, and WOTF - 2016). Parks' coaching prowess has also seen her athletes excel individually with numerous All-American honors.
Parks' dedication to her athletes extends beyond the track, as she is known for her mentorship and guidance. Her leadership has not only shaped successful athletes but also contributed to the development of a winning culture within the program.
Before her tenure at EMU, Parks enjoyed success at Ball State University, where she won eight MAC titles (WITF - 1996, 1998, 2001; WOTF - 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001; WXC - 2003) and eight MAC Coach of the Year accolades. She has also served in various leadership roles at the national level, advocating for the interests of NCAA cross country.
All told, Parks has collected 26 MAC titles and 24 Coach of the Year honors.
The Parks family is synonymous with winning as her father, Bob Parks, is the most decorated coach in Eastern Michigan Athletics history. Bob's teams captured 31 MAC titles in cross country and track & field, and he was named the league's Coach of the Year 22 times. His teams won six NAIA and NCAA team titles, and he was named NCAA National Coach of the Year once and Regional Coach of the Year nine times.
An EMU alumna, Parks' roots in the Ypsilanti area run deep. Her outstanding career as both an athlete and a coach has left an indelible mark on EMU athletics, earning her a place of honor in the E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame.
"It's truly an honor to be able to lead one of the most historic programs in the MAC," remarked Best. "Eastern has a rich history not just at the conference level but also nationally and internationally. It's a great feeling to have so much trust from Scott Wetherbee, Dan McLean, President Jim Smith, and the rest of the Eastern Athletic Department. I couldn't have done this without the amazing student-athletes that have helped shape me not just into a better coach but a better person. I would like to thank fellow Co-Director Sterling Roberts who isn't just a coworker to me but an amazing mentor and friend. Lastly I would like to thank Sue Parks for believing in me from the first day I got to Eastern Michigan. She has always pushed me to set my goals high and put in the work to achieve them. Her trust in me has given me the belief that I'm ready for this next chapter of my life."
Currently serving in his fourth year as Associate Head Coach and 10th overall on the coaching staff, Best's tenure has been marked by consistent success, particularly in the sprinting events.
Under Best's guidance, EMU sprinters have achieved remarkable feats, including numerous MAC championships and NCAA qualifications. Notable achievements include EMU's dominance in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays, with multiple conference titles and record-breaking performances. Best's coaching prowess extends beyond collegiate competition, as he has mentored athletes to success on the international stage, including gold medal performances at the NACAC Track & Field Championships and Paralympic Games.
A former student-athlete himself, Best's coaching philosophy is grounded in his experience as a sprinter at Liberty University. His holistic approach to coaching encompasses not only technical training but also mentorship and development, resulting in the continued success of EMU's track and field program under his leadership.
"Bob Parks was my head coach when I was an athlete here, so it's very special to be able to follow in his footsteps and take up this mantle after his daughter, Coach Sue Parks," Roberts said. "I am thrilled to be able to have this opportunity alongside my new co-head coach, Chris Best, who has been my colleague, sounding board, and friend these past 10 years. I want to thank President Smith, AD Scott Wetherbee and our sport AD Dan McLean, for placing their faith and trust in us to continue this great legacy. I am grateful to John Goodridge for bringing me back to my alma mater to begin my EMU coaching career. I am also exceedingly thankful for Coach Sue Parks' support and guidance during my career and especially after our transition to a combined men's & women's program. Lastly, I want to thank all of our EMU Track & Field and Cross Country alumni all over the world for their continued and undying support they show us. We truly are a family."
Roberts is a seasoned coach with a remarkable career spanning over a decade at Eastern Michigan, where he currently serves as Associate Head Coach. With a specialization in hurdles, jumps, and sprints, Roberts has played a pivotal role in EMU's track and field success.
Throughout his tenure, Roberts has overseen numerous record-breaking performances and championship victories. His hurdlers, including athletes like Angel Gazaway and Almighty Williamson, have shattered school records and secured impressive finishes at NCAA championships. Additionally, Roberts has mentored standout jumpers such as Formula Thompson and Baboucar Salla-Mohammed, who have excelled both domestically and internationally.
Roberts' coaching prowess extends beyond collegiate competition, as evidenced by his work with Olympians Donald Scott and Tori Franklin. His dedication to athlete development and recruitment has earned him recognition, including multiple Coach of the Year awards in the conference.
Roberts graduated from Eastern Michigan in 2003 where he was a four-year varsity track student-athlete. He was a two-time All-MAC award winner, while he also was a member of the 4x400m relay team that won a MAC Championship in 2002.
Players Mentioned
Hurdles
/ Women's Track & Field
Jumps
/ Men's Track & Field
Sprints/Hurdles
/ Men's Track & Field2025 E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony
Saturday, October 11
E-Club Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Cinematic Recap
Saturday, October 11
E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame - Ben Reese
Friday, October 10
E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame - Patrice Beasley
Friday, October 10