Erik Guta Women's Head Coach guta@elmhurst.edu This is Guta's second year as head coach for the Women's team after six years as an assistant coach for both the Men's and Women's teams. He is a 1992 graduate of Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Corporate Fitness - Exercise Physiology and attended graduate school for 3 years at the University of Illinois-Chicago in Corporate Fitness. He was president of track club at NIU for 2 years as well as being a member for 4 years. He is also a full time personal trainer at Courts Plus Fitness Center in Elmhurst. An alumnus of Elmhurst's York High School(Class of 1987), Guta was a member of the Dukes' 1986 Class AA state-championship boys' cross country team. "That which does not kill you, will make you stronger." "The only easy day was yesterday."

Greg Huffaker Men's Head Coach gregh@elmhurst.edu Beginning his first year as head coach for the Men's team. A 1999 graduate of North Central College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology, Huffaker lettered four years in cross country and track & field. In cross country, he served as captain for North Central's 1998 NCAA Division III National Champion team. In track Huffaker was the 1998 CCIW champion in the 3,000 meter Steeplechase. After graduating Huffaker served one season as the distance coach at the University of Dubuque. Under his direction University of Dubuque distance athletes broke eight school records. Prior to his appointment at Elmhurst, Huffaker was coaching at his alma matter, North Central. At North Central, Huffaker acted as the Freshmen coach, Steeplechase coach in track, as well as serving as the Recruiting coordinator. He and his wife Beth reside in Naperville "Ask yourself 'Can I do more?', the answer is usually yes."

Peter Jakova Jumps/Hurdles Coach Jakova is in his third year as a jumps/hurdle coach for Elmhurst. Jakova has been an athlete since the beginning. At the age of 10, Jakova held the Albanian National Records (Under 14) in the triple jump, high jump and the long jump. In middle school Jakova went from jumper to decathlete. During high school Jakova attended the Athletic Master School for Track & Field. Jakova then attended the Physical Education Institute specializing in Track & Field (2 years) in Albania. Jakova then attended the University of Sport in China for 4 years. He then coached the Chinese National Team for 1 year. Jakova then returned to Albania in 1977. In 1978 he coached the middle school national team, and then went on to create a club team which he coached for 3 more years. From 1984-1993 Jakova served as the coach of the Albanian National Team. It is interesting to note that Jakova speaks six languages : French, Chinese, Italian, Albanian, Russian, and English. Jakova came to the United States and Elmhurst in 1994. In addition to his duties at Elmhurst Jakova is currently a waiter at the Drury Lane, and at the Villa Park Library.

Justin Frederick Throws Coach Returning for his second year on a coaching staff, he has been participating in the Throws(shot put and discus) for over ten years. He works with the men and women throwers and decathletes. Frederick graduated from Loras College in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. While at Loras he participated in Track and Field and Football. Voted Captain of the Football team in 1998 and Captain of the track teams in 1998 and 1999. Member of the 1996 IIAC Track and Field Championship team. He was also voted 1999 Loras College Athlete of the Year runner-up. Frederick attended Wheaton-Warrenville South High School(class of 94') where he participated in Football, Wrestling, and Track and Field all four years. Member of the 1992 IHSA class 6A State Champion Football team. Currently he is a Ranger for the Forest Perserve District of DuPage County and serves as a Commissioner for Warrenville's Natural Areas Commission.

Edward Wallace, Jr. Sprints Coach This is Edward's first year as an assistant coach at Elmhurst College. He has written three books on Track and Field strength training as well as three articles on weight training and Track and Field for major publications. Wallace graduated from Chicago Teachers College in 1958 with a Bachelor of Education degree. Then went on to George Williams College and earned his Masters of Science Degree in 1972. Wallace was a member of the Illinois State Track and Field Commitiee from 1970-1975 and is also a member of the Illinois Track and Field Hall of Fame. He also has 37 hours of graduate work. Prior to joining the Elmhurst Coaching staff, Wallace was the sprints and jumps coach at North Central College and at the University of Chicago. He coached25 collegiate conference champions and 5 All-Americans He and his wife Donnie reside in South Holland.

Bill Thomas Pole Vault Coach This is also Bill's first year as an assistant coach for Elmhurst College Track and Field. Thomas Graduated from Indiana University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration. While at Indiana, Thomas earned the Big Ten Academic Award, the Track and Field Four-Year Award, and the Track and Field Coaches Award. Before coming to Elmhurst to coach, Bill was a volunteer Track couch at Lyons Township HS in LaGrange and an assistant coach at Bloomington South HS in Indiana. Bill and his wife Sarah live in Brookfield.