Loretto, Pa. – Saint Francis University Cross Country and Track & Field Head Coach Douglas Hoover announces the hiring of Lauren Bunke and Jacob Schulte as the newest additions of the coaching staff. Bunke joins as a graduate assistant and Schulte will be an assistant.

Bunke and Schulte join a track & field coaching staff that, along with Hoover, includes DJ Horton, Chris Frederick, and Brandon McCray. 

Before coming to Loretto, Bunke attended Lebanon Valley College from 2018-24. The graduate assistant earned her B.S. in Exercise Science in 2022, and then received her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2024. During her graduate assistantship at Saint Francis, she will study in the Master of Strategic Leadership (MSL) program.

Bunke competed on the cross country and track & field during her time with the Flying Dutchmen. She had a decorated career on the teams, accumulating eight All-Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) and two NCAA Division-III Mid-Atlantic Women's All-Region Cross Country team selections. She qualified for the 2023 NCAA Division-III Cross Country Championship, finishing 129th.

Burke on joining the Saint Francis staff: "I am looking forward to learning and working at Saint Francis to help the student athletes grow and reach their potential both on and off the course."

Coach Hoover on Bunke's hiring: "Upon meeting her this spring, I found Lauren to be a great fit for the university, athletic department, and our student-athletes. She's an accomplished athlete herself, and she is excited to get started in the coaching profession. In her first month in Loretto, she is already making a difference with our program."

Schulte returns to Saint Francis after attending the university from 2017-21. The new volunteer competed on the cross country and track & field teams. His best finish at the Northeast Conference (NEC) Cross Country Championships was 25th in 2018. For his best placements in track & field, he placed fourth in the 5000m and seventh in the 3000m at the 2019 NEC Indoor Track & Field Championships.

Schulte graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Engineering.

After his undergraduate career, Schulte completed his graduate studies at Portland State University from 2021-23. He graduated with a Master's in Engineering (ME) with a concentration in Water Resources Engineering, and continued competing on the Vikings' cross country and track & field teams. He was a teaching assistant during his time as well.

Along with working on the Red Flash coaching staff, Schulte also works at GeoTech Engineering.

Schulte on returning to Saint Francis: "It feels great to be part of the Red Flash community. I was here for four years, and I feel honored to help uphold the traditions that I was brought up on while I was here. I'm excited to work with Coach Hoover, Coach Bunke, and all the cross country and track & field teams and staff."

Coach Hoover on Schulte's hiring: "I'm excited that Jake wants to continue contributing to our program, in a new role. He is passionate about running and our team. Since returning from graduate school a year ago, Jake has been around the program as a fan. I'm excited to have him joining the staff now. He brings knowledge of our program, as well as his experience competing for Portland State."

Cross Country will next compete at the Ted Owen Invitational hosted by CCSU at Stanley Quarter Park Saturday, September 21.