Lee Wood Appointed as WKU Director of Cross Country/Track & Field

Bowling Green, Kentucky, August 28, 2025

News Summary

Western Kentucky University Athletics has appointed Lee Wood as the new Director of Cross Country/Track & Field following the passing of former coach Brent Chumbley. Wood, who has served as interim head coach, led the men’s team to a fifth-place finish in the Conference USA Outdoor Championship. With over 12 years of coaching experience, Wood is poised to lead the program into a new era while honoring Chumbley’s legacy. Meanwhile, the WKU Volleyball season is set to kick off soon, showcasing the university’s commitment to athletic excellence.

Bowling Green, Kentucky – Western Kentucky University (WKU) Athletics has appointed Lee Wood as the new Director of Cross Country/Track & Field following the unexpected passing of former coach Brent Chumbley on January 30. Wood will step into this leadership role after serving as the interim head coach since Chumbley’s death. His appointment comes as a pivotal moment for the athletics program during a time of transition.

Under Wood’s interim leadership, the WKU Hilltopper men’s team competed fiercely in the 2025 Conference USA Outdoor Championship, achieving a commendable fifth-place finish—a notable improvement that stands as the team’s best showing since 2019. This performance highlights Wood’s ability to guide and motivate the team during a challenging period.

Athletics Director Todd Stewart expressed optimism and support for Wood, citing his effective leadership during the unsettling time of Chumbley’s passing. Stewart articulated confidence in Wood’s capabilities to lead the cross country and track & field programs into a promising future.

Lee Wood brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having established an impressive background in both athletics and coaching. He began his collegiate athletic career at Missouri Southern from 1998 to 2000 before transferring to the University of Arkansas, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a concentration in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. He further enhanced his qualifications by earning a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

Prior to joining WKU, Wood worked for over 12 years at the high school level, having coached at Rogers High School and Heritage High School in Arkansas, where he garnered seven state championships. He also spent the initial five years of his collegiate coaching career at Western Colorado University, an NCAA Division II institution. Most recently, Wood served as the head coach at Drury University, where he successfully coached over 70 athletes who broke school records and led the women’s team to its best conference finish in program history.

In addition to this significant appointment, the WKU Volleyball regular season is set to commence on Friday with a match against Wright State as part of the WKU Invitational. This highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to providing competitive opportunities across its athletic programs as they continue to navigate leadership transitions.

Background Context

The passing of Brent Chumbley was a sudden loss for the WKU community and the athletics department, impacting many student-athletes and staff. Chumbley was well-respected and had been an integral part of the Cross Country/Track & Field programs at WKU. His legacy continues to inspire the teams as they forge ahead with Wood’s guidance.

Conclusion

Lee Wood’s appointment as Director of Cross Country/Track & Field is seen as a proactive step towards stability and success for the program, as the athletics department navigates this challenging period while honoring the memory of Brent Chumbley.

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Additional Resources

• WKU Sports: Lee Wood Named Director of Cross Country/Track & Field
• WKU Sports: Hilltoppers Announce 2025 Schedule
• BG Daily News: WKU Track Update
• Wikipedia: Western Kentucky University
• Google Search: WKU Athletics

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