SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – UC Santa Barbara Track & Field has announced Charles Vernoy-Ging as its new Assistant Coach for Throws. His strong coaching and throwing foundation will be instrumental as he leads the shot put, hammer throw, and discus squads.

Vernoy-Ging joins the program from Cal State University, Los Angeles, where he held the same position. Originally from Ventura, his coaching expertise and passion for throws make him a valuable addition to the UC Santa Barbara coaching staff and community.

"I am very excited to join the team at UC Santa Barbara," Vernoy-Ging said. "I look forward to reconnecting with the community and being closer to my family again."

UC Santa Barbara Director of Track and Field and Cross Country, Vijay Saxena, is enthusiastic about Vernoy-Ging's entry and regards him as a promising, up-and-coming coach.

"He was very highly recommended by three different coaches I reached out to," Saxena said. "He's had success and knows what it takes to win in this conference." 

Vernoy-Ging was a talented thrower at Cal State University Long Beach, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and his Master's Degree in Kinesiology: Coaching and Student-Athlete Development. He was an NCAA D1 Indoor Track and Field All-American and is a two-time Big West Champion in the Discus Throw. He ranks in the Long Beach All-Time Top 10 in three events, holding the third-highest record in the Shot Put and Discus and the eighth in Hammer Throw. 

During his time at Long Beach, Vernoy-Ging also held a position as a teaching associate, where he taught Track and Field techniques and conditioning. He has also taught Navy sailors fitness techniques and health. Vernoy-Ging has earned his USA Track and Field Level 1 license and is certified as an NSCA Strength and Conditioning Specialist. 

"I think he's a really good coach who knows how to connect with the kids and help them level up," Saxena said. "The three things that I kind of look for in an assistant coach are someone that's gonna do right by the program, do right by the kids, and then also be able to take them to the next level."

Vernoy-Ging is dedicated to improving and developing the UC Santa Barbara Track and Field team and is ready to take on the new challenge. 

"At UCSB, I hope to build upon the program's previous success with the goal of rising within the conference as well as nationally," Vernoy-Ging said. "I want to thank the coaching staff and team for giving me this opportunity. Go Gauchos!"