CEDAR CITY, UTAH -- Southern Utah University Track & Field and Cross Country Head Coach Isaac Wood has announced the addition of three new assistant coaches ahead of the 2026-27 season, completing his coaching staff as the Thunderbirds prepare for their return to the Big Sky Conference.

Joining the program are Jake Brydson, Justin Redfearn and Reno Tuufuli, three accomplished coaches who bring extensive experience at the collegiate, high school and national levels.

"Our goal was to assemble a staff that not only has a proven track record of developing elite athletes, but also one that is fully committed to the success of our student-athletes both on and off the track," said Wood. "I'm excited about the group we've brought together and can't wait to see what we accomplish as we begin this next chapter."

Brydson joins Southern Utah as an assistant coach working with the sprints, hurdles and jumps after spending the past three seasons at Southern Illinois. During his time with the Salukis, he coached multiple Missouri Valley Conference champions and podium finishers, including conference titles in the men's triple jump and high jump.

Prior to Southern Illinois, Brydson spent four seasons at Missouri State, where he helped produce five MVC individual champions, nine All-MVC performers and an indoor school record in the high jump. He began his collegiate coaching career as a volunteer assistant at Oklahoma, helping guide Vernon Turner to a 2.33-meter (7-foot, 7¾-inch) high jump, the highest clearance ever by an NCAA freshman.

A Utah native, Brydson also coached at Westlake High School, developing a boys state champion in the 110-meter hurdles and a girls state-record holder in the pole vault. As a student-athlete at Utah Valley, he contributed to three school-record relay teams and five conference championships. He also holds multiple coaching certifications through the USTFCCCA Academy and ALTIS.

Returning to his alma mater is Redfearn, who joins the Thunderbirds as an assistant coach working with the sprints, hurdles and jumps after earning USTFCCCA National Coach of the Year honors in 2023.

Over the past 12 years, Redfearn has coached five state championship teams and developed 45 individual state champions. A former SUU student-athlete, he is excited to return to Cedar City.

"As a former athlete and student at SUU, I cannot wait to work with each of you and help you accomplish more than you thought was possible," Redfearn said. "SUU is a special place, and the opportunity to be back is a blessing. I'm excited to work alongside the incredible staff Coach Wood has assembled. Big things are coming!"

Tuufuli will lead the Thunderbirds' throws program after an outstanding competitive career and recent coaching experience at Lehi High School.

A First Team All-American in the discus at Iowa, Tuufuli was also an honorable mention All-American in the shot put while earning multiple NCAA Championship appearances in both events. He captured two Drake Relays discus titles, finished as the Big Ten runner-up in the outdoor discus and indoor shot put, and qualified for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. Tuufuli held Iowa's school record in the shot put and still ranks second in program history in the discus with career bests of 62.54 meters in the discus and 19.17 meters in the shot put.

"Throwing has been my number one passion for over half my life," Tuufuli said. "I've been fortunate to learn from some of the best coaches in the world, and I'm excited to share that knowledge and help our student-athletes achieve their goals!"

Wood believes the additions position the Thunderbirds for success as they begin a new era back in the Big Sky Conference.

"Please help us give Justin, Reno and Jake a warm Thunderbirds welcome as they join our family," Wood said. "We genuinely believe this is one of the strongest coaching staffs in the mid-major Division I ranks. More importantly, it's a group of coaches who care deeply about your success—both on and off the track. We have high expectations for ourselves as coaches and for our student-athletes."

"We're looking forward to building something special together. Let's get to work, compete with purpose, and make this a season to remember. Let's go, T-Birds!"

The SUU Cross Country season is right around the corner, with the opening meet on Friday, September 4, at Utah Valley.

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