PIKEVILLE, Ky. — The University of Pikeville is excited to announce the hiring of Kameron Blanding as an Assistant Coach for the Bears' Cross Country and Track & Field programs.

Blanding brings a strong background of collegiate coaching experience and a proven track record of developing student athletes and building successful programs at the conference, regional and national levels.

Most recently, Blanding served as Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach at Marymount University, where he helped guide the program to significant success during his tenure. Over the last two years, the men's and women's teams have brought home four Atlantic East Conference championships. The women won back-to-back cross-country titles, and both the women and men captured an outdoor track & field title. Blanding's staff garnered Coaching Staff of the Year honors on four separate occasions. His athletes established an impressive 46 school records and 279 personal bests during his time with the program.

Prior to Marymount, Blanding served as the Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Averett University in Danville, Virginia. During his tenure, his teams produced an NCAA Second Team All-American, five All-ODAC performers and two ODAC champions.

Blanding's coaching career has included success across multiple levels of collegiate athletics. He was part of two conference championship teams in the Appalachian Athletic Conference, helped coach a men's track & field program to rank as high as No. 3 nationally at Central Christian College of Kansas (NAIA) and coached an individual NJCAA national champion in the half marathon.

Throughout his career, Blanding has helped develop more than 100 national qualifiers and 20 All-Americans, demonstrating a consistent commitment to athlete development and competitive excellence.

"We are extremely excited to welcome Kameron Blanding to the University of Pikeville," said UPIKE Director of Cross Country/Track & Field Coach Anthony Kowalczyk. "Kam brings a tremendous amount of experience, energy and knowledge to our program. His background in developing athletes and building successful teams at multiple levels will be a major asset to our student athletes. Most importantly, he shares our vision for continuing to elevate UPIKE Cross Country and Track & Field."

Blanding's addition comes as the Bears continue to build on the momentum of their cross country and track & field programs, with a total roster that now spans over 75 athletes and the large focus of student-athlete development, they look to take a huge step forward in the 2026/2027 seasons.

"My family and I are beyond grateful and incredibly excited about this next chapter. I want to thank Coach Anthony Kowalczyk, AD Corey Fipps, and the search committee for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be part of UPIKE. I believe there is a strong foundation and a bright future here, and I'm looking forward to helping our student athletes grow, compete, and contribute to the program's continued success. Let's #BearDown and get to work!"

Blanding earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science from Central Christian College of Kansas and holds master's degrees in management & leadership (Montreat College) and Exercise Science & Coaching (Concordia University-Irvine).

With extensive experience in recruiting, athlete development and program building, Blanding joins the Bears with a shared commitment to creating a culture of excellence and helping UPIKE student athletes reach their full potential.

Welcome to Pikeville, Coach Kam!