Mike Schmidt joined the University of Redlands as the Head Track & Field and Cross Country Coach in 2007. Since that time, he has achieved a level of success unprecedented in either program’s history, as highlighted by multiple conference championships, individual national championships, and various awards.

2022

During the NCAA Indoor Championships, Tucker Cargile came in second place in the mile with a 4:07.20, a time that would have set the championship record had he won the event. Cargile set the school record in the 1500, with a 3:46.57. 

On the women's side, three Bulldog records fell: 100 meter, Alexandra Ackerman ran a 11.91, 200 meter, Andrea Lyon ran a 24.19, and then the Bulldogs 4x100 meter relay team led by Courtney O'Neal, Ackerman, Sydney Harness, and Lyon ran a 46.12.

The Bulldogs men finished fourth at the SCIAC Championships and the women were the runners-up. At the championships the Bulldogs had titles: Lyon won the 200 meter with a 24.50 time, Lyon won the 400 meters at 56.70, the women's 4x100 meter title at 47.11, Maigan Adams won the triple jump at 11.57m/37-11.50, Noelle Chavez won the discus with a 40.55m/133-00 throw; on the men's side Cargile won the 1500 meter at 3:51.42, their 4x100 meter relay team won in 41.38 (0.65 faster than second place), and Jacob Huset won the high jump with a 2.02m/6-07.50 jump.

Team/Individual Accomplishments

Under Schmidt’s direction, the Bulldogs have captured four women’s team titles (2008, 2009, 2011, 2021) and a trio of men’s team championships (2011, 2012, 2021) in the highly-touted Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). Redlands student-athletes have also earned more than 99 individual SCIAC track & field championships, five SCIAC Track & Field Athlete of the Year awards, and one individual cross country title. Schmidt was also named the 2015 SCIAC Cross Country Coach of the Year and the 2021 SCIAC Track & Field Coach of the Year.  

At the national level, Schmidt’s student-athletes have earned 36 All-America honors, as highlighted by four individual NCAA Championships, five NCAA runner-up finishes, and a three NCAA third-place showings. He has also led athletes to four West Region Athlete of the Year awards and eight NCAA cross country individual national appearances. Personally, Schmidt has been named the West Region Women’s Track & Field Coach of the Year (2008) and the West Region Men’s Track & Field Coach of the Year (2011).

Before Redlands

Prior to becoming a Bulldog, Schmidt worked at Oneonta State (NY), originally as the Associate Head Coach of Track & Field and Cross Country. After three successful years, he became the Head Track & Field Coach and continued to work as an assistant coach with the cross country programs. During his tenure with the Red Dragons, Schmidt coached 17 All-America performances among nine student-athletes to go along with three conference team championships, 49 individual titles, and 14 relay championships.

With a passion for learning, Schmidt stays up-to-date on the latest coaching practices in order to maintain this level of success.  He has spent time studying at the Olympic Training Center, the World Athletic Training Center (ALTIS), and holds a USATF Level III Certification in the Jumps, a USATF Level II Certification in the Combined Events, as well as being a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist.

Schmidt lives in Redlands with his wife Amanda. In his free time, he enjoys weightlifting, golfing, and reading.