ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – The University of Alaska Anchorage announced the hiring of Michael J. Lynch as an assistant coach for cross country and track & field.

"I am very excited to have Coach Lynch on board," said head coach Ryan McWilliams. "He has great experience leading and improving a program at the collegiate level and got his start in coaching here in Alaska, where he demonstrated an ability to coach good running teams. I am looking forward to his enthusiasm for this position to show through in how the program builds going forward."

Lynch comes to UAA with ten years of collegiate experience, most recently serving as the head cross country and track & field coach at Bemidji State since 2022. As head coach of the Beavers, student-athletes set 23 school records in track & field and three school records in cross country.

"I want to give a big thanks to Ryan (McWilliams) for this amazing opportunity," said Michael Lynch. "I'm honored to join the UAA coaching staff with Ray (Shadowens) and Hallidie (Phillips). I'm excited to help our student-athletes chase big goals, build a championship culture and represent the University of Alaska Anchorage with pride. Go Seawolves!"

He started his collegiate coaching career at Bemidji State as a volunteer assistant in 2010. He returned to BSU as an assistant coach in 2018 before taking over as head coach in 2022. Lynch served as a graduate assistant coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State and an assistant coach at Augustana.

In addition to his coaching duties, he hosted both collegiate and high school meets, organized fundraising efforts and assisted student-athletes with academics.

Lynch is no stranger to Alaska as he served as the head track & field coach at Service High School for five seasons coaching seven individuals to state titles.

Lynch earned a bachelor's degree in geography from Bemidji State in 2009 and a master's degree in sport management from Southwestern Oklahoma State in 2016.