Michael Bloemker Named Head Cross Country Coach

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Avila University has selected Michael Bloemker to head its men's and women's cross country programs, as announced by Director of Athletics Shawn Summe today. Bloemker brings a wealth of experience to Avila, having led Johnson County Community College to a women's national title and eight podium finishes at the NJCAA Cross Country National Championships over his 19-year tenure.

"Avila University is fortunate to be able to add someone with as much experience and success as Michael Bloemker," said Summe. "Our current runners and future Eagles will be able to work with an accomplished coach who has been successful on a national level. I am excited to welcome Coach Bloemker and his family to the Avila University family."

Bloemker served as the head men's and women's cross country coach at Johnson County Community College for 19 years, leading the Cavaliers to an NJCAA Women's Cross Country National Championship in 2000. He added runner-up finishes in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006 on the women's side, along with runner-up finishes in 1999 and 2002 for the JCCC men.

"I look forward to this opportunity at Avila, the resources and support are here to have a flourishing cross country program," said Bloemker. "I've been impressed with everything I've seen and I'm eager to get going."

The 2000 NJCAA Women's National Cross Country Coach of the Year, he led his teams to an impressive 25 combined KJCAA Jayhawk East Conference titles, with the women's squad earning top honors in 17 of his 19 years at the helm. Bloemker has produced nine NJCAA women's individual cross country and track national champions, and a combined 385 (225 women, 160 men) NJCAA Cross Country and Track All-Americans.

From 2008 to 2017, Bloemker also served as the head track and field coach for the Cavaliers, leading the JCCC women to a pair of NJCAA Region VI Triple Crowns - Cross Country, Indoor Track and Outdoor Track Championships - in 2012 and 2014, along with a fourth-place finish at the 2013 NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Bloemker has been a fixture in the Kansas City running scene since the 1990s, when he served as assistant running coordinator for HealthPlus under the late Tom Dowling. Under the mentorship of the former Olympic Development coach, Bloemker helped to develop a number of outstanding runners including 2012 Olympian Amy Cragg (nee Hastings).

Most recently, Bloemker was named the Athletic Director for Notre Dame de Sion Elementary and Middle School, and he will continue in that position as well.

He is married to Dr. Katherine Bloemker and resides in Kansas City, Mo. The couple has one son, Griffin.