Joel McMullen is the Compliance Officer and Head Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coach at Eastern New Mexico University. McMullen began his duties in July, 2004.

“Eastern New Mexico University has a tremendous history in the sport of cross country,” Coach McMullen stated. “Winning national championships in 1973 and 1974 was a tremendous accomplishment and it is amazing that many of the track and cross country records here at ENMU still stand from that era. It is our goal to restore the glory, pride and success that once existed here. My staff and I will do everything we can to return ENMU Cross Country to that level once again.”

Prior to arriving at ENMU, McMullen worked at Oklahoma State University as a compliance assistant and consulted with the Cowboys’ cross country coaching staff that has enjoyed great success under Head Coach Dick Weis for many years.

McMullen ran cross country and track distance events throughout his high school career at Great Bend High School (Kan.) and at Barton County Community College (Kan.). He then attended the University of Kansas and graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of General Science degree. His competitive running career continued for many years, and he is an avid fan and supporter of cross country, road racing and track.

He received a law degree from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., in 1992. His desire to mix the knowledge and skills from his legal education with his love of athletics brought him to Oklahoma State University, and eventually to ENMU.

McMullen and his wife, Ina, were married in 1984. They live in Portales, N.M., with their son, Austen (“Ozzie”), 15. Their oldest son, Ian (20), lives in Lawrence, Kansas.

Graduate Assistant
Jana Villegas is in her first season as the graduate assistant coach for the Greyhounds and Zias.  Villegas ran for ENMU from 2000 through 2004.  In 2003, she helped lead the Zias to a 5^th place finish in the Lone Star Conference.  An outstanding student, Villegas was on the athletic honor roll numerous times.  Due to an illness at the beginning of the 2004 season, she served the cross country program as a student assistant under Coach McMullen.  She graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in May, 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Coaching.  After completion of her degree, she served as a Victim's Advocate for victims of domestic violence.  Before attending Eastern, Villegas attended Carlsbad High School where she earned eight letters in cross-county, track, and volleyball.  She graduated in May of 2001.  Villegas will be pursuing her master’s degree in counseling while assisting with the cross country program.

Student Assistant Coach/ Manager: Karissa Huskey