ARCATA, Calif. – Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics has officially named Michael Schroer as the Head Cross Country Coach, removing his interim designation and placing him at the helm of both the men's and women's programs. He will also serve as an assistant coach with the track & field program. 

Schroer, who was elevated to Interim Head Cross Country Coach and Interim Assistant Track & Field Coach in Spring 2026, rejoined the Lumberjacks coaching staff in August 2025 as Assistant Cross Country Coach. Since his return, he has played a key role in all aspects of the program alongside Head Coach Scott Pesch, including workout design, pacing strategies, and race preparation.

Under his guidance, Humboldt student-athletes have achieved numerous personal-best performances. Schroer's approach blends individualized athlete development with data-driven training methods and championship-level experience.

"We are excited to continue with Michael Schroer leading our cross country program," said Cal Poly Humboldt Director of Athletics. "His experience, knowledge, community engagement, and passion for helping student-athletes become the best versions of themselves—both in the classroom and in competition—make him the right person to guide our program forward."

Schroer brings a wealth of coaching experience spanning high school, collegiate, and international levels. Prior to his recent return, he served as an assistant coach for Humboldt men's middle distance from March 2014 to June 2015, helping develop athletes who achieved personal bests and competed at the conference championships. During that same period, he also coached at Arcata High School, where he guided an athlete to the California State Meet in the 800 meters—the fastest time recorded in Humboldt County in the previous decade.

Internationally, Schroer was an Assistant Track & Field and Cross Country Coach at Seoul American High School from 2008 to 2010. There, he helped lead the program to a remarkable 69-0 dual meet record and earned Far East Coach of the Year honors in 2009. He developed individualized training programs for more than 50 athletes while coordinating international competition and travel.

Earlier in his career, Schroer served as the Head Track & Field and Cross Country Coach at The Potomac School in McLean, Virginia (2001–2008), where he built a nationally ranked program. His tenure included coaching multiple All-Americans, a Foot Locker finalist, and a national championship relay team. He led the girls' team to five outdoor league titles and a state championship while also launching an indoor track program and expanding year-round athlete development.

In addition to his coaching success, Schroer boasts an accomplished competitive résumé. He is a two-time Olympic Trials qualifier, eight-time NCAA Division I All-American, and former high school national champion in the indoor 800 meters. Competing in masters athletics, he has earned multiple world and national titles, including a 2011 World Championship in the 800 meters (35–39 age group) and several American and world record performances in relay events.

Schroer's coaching honors include:

• 2009 Far East Coach of the Year

• 2008 Washington Post Northern Virginia Girls Outdoor Coach of the Year

• 2007 Washington Post Boys Outdoor Coach of the Year

He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Georgetown University (1997), a Master of Education from American University (1999), and a Master of Business Administration from Humboldt State University (2016).

"I'm incredibly honored and excited to be named the Head Cross Country Coach at Cal Poly Humboldt," said Schroer. "This program has a proud tradition, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to build on that legacy while helping our student-athletes grow both competitively and personally. I can't wait to get to work with this team and the Humboldt community."

With a proven track record of athlete development and program building, Schroer now steps into the permanent role poised to lead Cal Poly Humboldt cross country into its next chapter.