Atkins named assistant coach at WCU

Atkins named assistant coach at WCU
Derrick Atkins. (PHOTO: CATAMOUNTSPORTS.COM)

Another well recognized retired Bahamian track and field athlete is getting the opportunity to coach at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I level.

Former Olympian Derrick Atkins this weekend was named assistant coach at Western Carolina University (WCU). He will be responsible for coaching the Catamount sprints, hurdles and relay groups.

Prior to signing with WCU, Atkins spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Kennesaw State University. While there, Atkins led the team to multiple indoor and outdoor team championships and several school records.

We are excited to welcome Coach Atkins to the Catamount Track family,” WCU track and field head coach Cale McDaniel said.

“He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge with him to Cullowhee. He has proven himself to be an excellent sprint coach at this level and are very fortunate to have him work with our young people.”

Atkins competed for the Bahamas in the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics and advanced to the semifinals of the 100-meter dash in both. He still holds the Bahamian national record of 9.91 seconds in the 100.

About Randy Smith

Randy Smith is the producer of the widely-watched local television show “Beyond The Headlines” and the web content manager of Eyewitness News. He joined Eyewitness News as a sportscaster in 2018, a role he still performs, and has previously covered a slew of international sporting events, including the 2015 Pan American Games, the Nike EYBL Showcase, several IAAF World Relays, the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, the Commonwealth Youth Games, the Bahamas Bowl and multiple CARIFTA Swimming and Track & Field Championships. Randy has been recognized by the Bahamas Press Club with awards for “Best Sports Broadcast” as a sportscaster and “Best TV Talk Show” as a producer.