Sandburg has hired Kim Schrader, who has decades of experience in college athletics and a longtime familiarity with the Galesburg-area running community, to lead the Chargers’ men’s and women’s cross country teams.
Schrader was involved with organizing the former Run Galesburg Run half marathon/5K, and she spent its final three years as race director. Schrader has completed eight marathons, and she’s participated in St. Jude Runs since 2000, including the past 20 years as part of the Memphis-to-Peoria Run.
Schrader retired from Knox College in June following a 27-year career there as a staff member and coach. As Knox’s Title IX coordinator for the last 10 years, she had direct involvement with students from all backgrounds. Schrader also spent several years as the advisor for Knox’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Schrader’s time coaching at Knox included recruiting nationally and internationally as the Prairie Fire’s volleyball coach from 2007-11, men’s and women’s swimming and diving coach from 2022-23 and assistant women’s basketball coach from 2005-06.
A college athlete herself, Schrader was a three-year letterwinner in volleyball at Marquette.
“I love being involved with athletics, so I’m excited about this opportunity to coach elite student-athletes in a competitive environment,” Schrader said. “I’m grateful to (athletic director) Daniella Irle for putting her trust in me to build on the rich history of academic and athletic success by the Sandburg cross country program.”
Schrader takes over for Rodney Blue, who passed away July 2 after coaching the Chargers since 2015. She inherits a program that saw Sandburg’s men’s team win its third straight Region 4 title and finish 28th at the NJCAA Division II championships last fall. The women’s squad was led by Region 4 champion Sharon Yego and runner-up Damaris Kimaiyo, who each return this season after finishing 28th and 29th, respectively, at last year’s national meet.
“Kim has a long history in higher education as a student-athlete, coach and administrator,” Irle said. “As a former student-athlete and a multi-sport coach at the NCAA Division III level, she has a keen understanding of what it takes to be successful as a college athlete and student. She’ll be a great coach and mentor within our championship program.”
Both Chargers teams start their seasons with a dual meet Aug. 31 at Sauk Valley.
***Courtesy of Carl Sandburg College***
