Kavalunas and Lutzke named track and field/cross country coaches at Olivet College

Jeff Kavalunas and Karen Lutzke have been named track and field/cross country coaches at Olivet College, according to an announcement by Heather Bateman, director of athletics. Kavalunas will oversee the men's programs, while Lutzke will oversee the women's programs.

Most recently, Kavalunas was head cross country coach at Lawrence (Wis.) University in 2008. Prior to that, he served as head track and field/cross country coach at Ferris State University (1996-2008) and Northwood University (1991-96). Kavalunas was also a graduate assistant cross country and middle distance runners coach at Central Michigan University (CMU) for three years.

Kavalunas earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from Grand Valley State University in 1987 and a master's degree in exercise science from CMU in 1990. At Grand Valley, he ran cross country and track, earning 1986 All-Conference honors in cross country.

Lutzke has an extensive coaching background. She began her collegiate coaching career as head women's cross country/assistant women's track and field coach at Michigan State University (MSU) from 1990-98. Lutzke then spent a year as Olivet's head men's and women's cross country/head women's track and field coach. After leaving Olivet, she was at CMU for 10 years. From 1999-2003, Lutzke was assistant women's track and field/cross country coach and from 2003-2009, she served as head women's track and field/cross country coach.

At CMU, Lutzke coached three Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship teams and was named MAC Coach of the Year three times. She was also selected as the 2004 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Regional Coach of the Year. Overall, she coached 30 All-MAC selections in track and field and eight All-MAC selections in cross country.

Lutzke earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from MSU in 1985. She participated in cross country and track and was a member of the cross country team, which placed fourth at the 1981 NCAA Division I National Championships. After her collegiate career, Lutzke was a USA Olympic Trials qualifier in the 10,000 meter (1984 and 1988) and 5,000 meter (1984).