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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebel Track Assistant Moves To Full-Time Mission Work
7/8/2011 | Track and Field
July 8, 2011
OXFORD, Miss. - After an exemplary 10-year run as an assistant coach with the Ole Miss track and field program, Erin Wibbels will tackle a new set of challenges as she moves from Mississippi to Central America to do mission work and coaching.
Wibbels, who has served as the throws coach and assisted in recruiting for the Rebels since she joined Joe Walker's staff in 2001, will move to Guatemala at the end of this summer. In 10 seasons, she helped four Ole Miss athletes claim the only six All-America selections by throwers in school history. That included Juliana Smith, who was also the 2009 SEC champion in the women's indoor weight throw.
Since her arrival, the Rebels have shattered every school throwing record in men's and women's indoor and outdoor competition.
The Central City, Neb., native and 2001 Nebraska graduate will be involved with local ministry training and Bible studies in Guatemala and will also have the opportunity to work with the national track federation and Olympic committee there. She plans to assist the Guatemalan coaches in a variety of ways, as well as work with the local Athletes in Action director.
Wibbels' ultimate goal is to travel to countries throughout South and Central America and the Caribbean to establish sports ministry on university campuses.
"My time at Ole Miss has been nothing but wonderful," Wibbels said. "It's a wonderful job, and I love Oxford. But the Lord has been working on me for about 11 months to pursue this opportunity. My number one challenge has been leaving the athletes here, but I have a peace that they will be OK without me. I was able to see a great group of seniors through their careers, and the new group of throwers is young and strong."
Mission work is nothing new to Wibbels, who has served short-term stints in Guatemala twice, as well as Spain.
She noted the support of Walker in her decision to make the transition.
"It's really hard to think about not coaching with Coach Walker and this coaching staff," Wibbels said. "We're very close. That part is sad, but I'm so sure I'm doing what God wants me to do. Coach Walker`s support has been awesome."
"We are both glad and sad that Erin is leaving us," Walker said. "We are glad because she will be doing mission work in Guatemala, and that is something I know she feels is led by God. We are sad because we are losing a great coach and great person. It seems like just yesterday that she began her coaching career as a rookie coach, and now it's been 10 years and they have been productive, enriching and fun for all of us. She was a great throws coach but also what I call a Life Coach and will be missed!"
