Friends University

Derek McKnight is in his first season as the throws coach for the Falcon track and field teams.

He previously served as the throws coach and strength & conditioning coordinator at NCAA DII Washburn University, where he produced numerous all-conference athletes. A graduate of Pittsburg State, he was a national qualifier in the outdoor shot put after transferring from Cowley County Community College.

McKnight has the fourth-best mark in Gorilla history in the indoor shot put at 58-05.75 and the eighth-best mark in the outdoor shot put at 57-11.00. He was an All-American selection after finishing sixth in the shot put his senior season at the indoor championships. He also won the MIAA individual title in the shot put in the indoor season. McKnight will also assist with recruitment as well.