SAINT PAUL, MINN.—Hamline University has named Vaughn Tackmann as its new head women's track & field coach.
"With a strong tradition and amazing leadership from Devin Monson and Josh Blaschko, Hamline track & field is poised to take some big steps forward, and I am looking forward to being a part of it," said Tackmann. "I had the opportunity to speak with some of the athletes during the interview process, and I immediately felt their drive and motivation for the success of the team."
Tackmann spent the previous four seasons at Carthage College, an NCAA Division III member of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW). The Arlington, Minnesota native was the graduate assistant men's track & field coach his first two seasons at Carthage, before he was elevated to full-time assistant men's & women's track & field coach for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns. Tackmann coached the Carthage sprinters, jumpers, and hurdlers.
The Carthage track & field program accumulated three school records, 56 All-CCIW performers, and three CCIW Champions during his time as the graduate assistant. He also assisted in coaching two national qualifying performances with the men's 4x400 meter relay team, which earned All-American honors during the 2019 indoor season. The 2020 campaign saw Tackmann coach one USTFCCCA All-Midwest Region performer, and an NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championship qualifier before the COVID-19 Pandemic canceled the remainder of that season.
Prior to Carthage, Tackmann spent one season at NAIA Morningside College, where he was the assistant track & field and cross country coach. He oversaw the Morningside sprinters, jumpers and hurdlers, as well as the strength & conditioning program.
Tackmann arrived to Morningside after three seasons as assistant track & field coach at his alma mater, Luther College. He coached the Norse sprinters, jumpers and hurdlers.
Tackmann graduated from Luther in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in environmental studies. He received his master's degree in education from Carthage in 2019.
"I want to thank Athletic Director Jason Verdugo, Devin Monson, and Josh Blaschko for trusting me to take the reigns of the women's track & field team, as well as my coaching friends and mentors who have guided me along the way," said Tackmann.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT TACKMANN
"I'am really excited for Vaughn's opportunity to step into a head coaching role at Hamline University. He is very well prepared to take this step, and Hamline is truly a perfect fit for him and his family. We will be losing a great coach and friend at Carthage, but we cannot be happier for him."
-Josh Henry (Carthage Head Men's Cross Country / Head Men's Track & Field Coach)
"I am excited that we are adding Vaughn to our Track & Field program as the Head Women's coach. His colleagues at Carthage College spoke very highly of him, specifically when it involved his talent with recruiting student/athletes to school, as well as the enthusiasm and hard work he brought to both teams. It will be exciting to watch him lead the talented women on our Track & Field team."
-Josh Blaschko (Hamline Head Men's Track & Field Coach
"I am very excited to have Vaughn joining our staff. He brings with him great knowledge of the sport and a passion for working with athletes. He continued to impress us more and more throughout the whole process and should step into his new role as head of the women's program with no trouble."
-Devin Monson (Hamline Head Cross Country Coach / Assistant Track & Field Coach)
