University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Hurdle Legend Danny Harris Hired as UNI Assistant Track & Field Coach
7/16/2010 8:00:00 AM | Track and Field
July 16, 2010
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – University of Northern Iowa head track and field coach Dan Steele announced Friday the addition of Olympic silver medalist Danny Harris to his staff as an assistant coach.
“Danny is well-known as one of the greatest track and field athletes in American history,” Steele said, “but what many people don't know is that Danny is also one of the most passionate teachers and mentors you'll ever meet. He's a game-changer with any organization he is a part of and I am thrilled our athletes will have an opportunity to work with him.”
Harris, who coached at Iowa State University for the past two seasons, will oversee the men's sprints, hurdles and relays.
“I am extremely proud and humbled to be a part of the University of Northern Iowa coaching staff,” said Harris. “I look forward to working with Coach Steele and the entire track and field staff in continuing the strong tradition of Panther athletics. We will be working together to recruit the best talent available and setting the goal to be conference champions every year.”
“I would like to thank Coach Steele for this exciting opportunity, and my wife and I look forward joining the Panther family.”
As a freshman at Iowa State University at the age of 18, Harris captured the silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, setting a world junior record (48.02) that still stands today. He went undefeated in 37 collegiate races in the 400 hurdles, including three NCAA titles.
In Madrid in 1987, Harris famously ended Edwin Moses's 107-race winning streak in the event. He went on to win a silver medal at the 1987 World Championships in Rome. In 1990, Harris established a new world record for the most sub-48 second races in one season by completing the feat eight times.
Harris set his personal record of 47.38 in the 400-meter hurdles in 1991.
The Danny Harris File
Coaching Experience:
Iowa State University, Assistant Track and Field Coach, 2008-2010
Perris High School (CA) Head Track and Field Coach, 2000-2002
Athletic Career:
National High School Record Holder, 300 Hurdles, 1983
Olympic Silver Medalist, 400 Hurdles, Los Angeles, 1984
World Junior Record Holder, 400 Hurdles, 1985
NCAA Champion, Iowa State University, 400 Hurdles, 1984, 1985, 1986
37-0 Collegiate Record, ISU, 400 Hurdles
World Championships Silver Medalist, 400 Hurdles, Rome, 1987
Ranked #1 in the World, 1990, 1992
Ranked in the top ten in the world 10 times
Inducted into the Drake Relays Hall of Fame, 1995
Inducted into the Iowa State University Sports Hall of Fame, 2000
Inducted into the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame, 2005
