Bryce Hoppel, the middle-distance runner, is coached by Michael Whittlesey. Hoppel specialises in the 800-metre event. He is the reigning 800m world indoor champion, having won gold at the 2024 World Indoor Championships. Hoppel is a 6-time U.S. champion and was a two-time NCAA champion in the 800m while competing for the University of Kansas.
His coach Michael Whittlesey, is also an assistant coach at the University of Kansas. Whittlesey has been a part of the KU coaching staff since 2010 and coaches the Jayhawks' distance and middle-distance runners.
Quick Facts on Bryce Hoppel’s Coach
| Coach Name | Michael Whittlesey |
|---|---|
| DOB | - |
| Hometown/Birthplace | Morris, Connecticut |
| Nationality | American |
| Employers/College Team |
|
| Occupation | Assistant Coach - Distance/Middle Distance |
| Sports | Track and Field (Distance/Middle Distance) |
| Net Worth | - |
| College | University of Connecticut (Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D.) |
| Height | - |
| Weight | - |
Bryce Hoppel’s Coach
Under Michael Whittlesey's coaching, Hoppel completed one of the greatest seasons in college track and field history in 2019. He won 19 consecutive races, including NCAA titles in the 800 metres indoors and outdoors.
Hoppel's outdoor time of 1:44.41 at the NCAA Championships was the fifth-fastest by a college student ever in the event. He gave a new record to the Kansas record books, holding seven of the top-10 indoor 800-metre times and six of the top-10 outdoor times.
Michael Whittlesey’s Wife
As mentioned on the official websites of the universities Michael worked at, Michael Whittlesey is married to Carol Whittlesey. They have two children together, a daughter named Samantha and a son named Ryan.
Michael Whittlesey’s Coaching Career
Michael Whittlesey was the first American finisher in the 1995 Boston Marathon. After competing as a non-recruited athlete at the University of Connecticut, he also qualified for the 1996 Olympic Trials in the marathon.
Whittlesey started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Connecticut, where he worked in distance coaching and as a pole vault and multi-event coach.
Employers:
University of Kansas (2010 - Present): Assistant Coach - Distance/Middle Distance
University of North Carolina (1999 - 2010): Assistant Coach (Cross Country/Distance), Assistant Director (Men's and Women's Track and Field, Cross Country)
UNC-Charlotte (1997 - 1999): Assistant Coach
Michael Whittlesey’s Record
As of May 2024, Michael coached athletes and achieved record-breaking results, as given below (via the official website of the University of Kansas)
12 NCAA Champions
96 All-Americans
56 Conference Champions (18 Big 12 Champions)
3 USA National Champions
Michael Whittlesey’s Awards & Achievement
NCAA Division I Track & Field National Assistant Coach of the Year for Women's Middle Distance/Distance (2003)
NCAA Outdoor Track & Field East Regional Assistant Coach of the Year (2007)
ACC Cross Country Coach of the Year (1999, 2003)
Southeast Region Coach of the Year (1999, 2003)
FAQ's On Bryce Hoppel’s Coach
A. Bryce Hoppel runs for the University of Kansas Jayhawks in track and field competitions.
