DAYTON, Ohio – Former University of Dayton track and field standout Mallory Barnes has joined the coaching staff as an assistant coach, Flyer Head Track and Field Coach Jason Francis announced Thursday.

“I am very fortunate to add Mallory to our coaching staff. She is a great addition and will help us to reach higher levels, both in recruiting and performances in the throwing events,” Francis said. “I am delighted that Mallory has also decided to continue her training to see if she can reach her true potential in the hammer throw. Her continued development on the national and international levels as an athlete will bring continued exposure to the Dayton track program, athletic department and University.”

In addition to Barnes’s role as a volunteer assistant, she is also training for the Olympic Trials in the hammer throw. She has already reached the qualifying mark for the USA Indoor National meet and is only a few feet from qualifying for the USA Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. in June. Barnes will assist Bryan Duby, who is in charge of the throwers.

“Mallory is a talented athlete, who with continued improvement of her technique has the potential to make a splash on the national and international scene,” Duby said. “Her ongoing experiences at the highest levels of track and field will continue to be a valuable resource to the current UD track and field student-athletes.”

Barnes was a two-time All-American in the weight throw, finishing sixth in the NCAA Indoor National Championships in 2010 and 2011. She holds University of Dayton records in the weight throw (69-11.75) and the hammer throw (196-03.00).

She was also a five-time Most Outstanding Field Performer (three indoor, two outdoor) in the Atlantic 10, and holds the conference record for the weight throw (68-02.25) which she set in 2011. Barnes has captured an Individual A-10 Championship five times – three times in the weight throw and two times in the hammer throw. She also helped the Flyers capture back-to-back A-10 Indoor Championships in 2010 and 2011.

The Flyers begin the 2011-12 season on Dec. 2 and 3 at the Oiler Opener in Findlay, Ohio.