May 29, 2023
Terry Gaitor has been appointed as the new track and field coach at Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU). Terry Gaitor was chosen from an assortment of qualified candidates because he has demonstrated a superior capacity for inspiring a group of athletes to work together toward a similar objective.
Gaitor comes to SAGU after serving at Oakland City University (IN), where he most recently served as the Assistant Cross Country and Track & Field coach, as well as being the school's Strength and Conditioning coach before being promoted to head coach of both programs in March of 2023. Gaitor took a Track & Field program from its bare bones in 2021, and in two years under his tenure, the program developed two conference champions, two conference runners-up, and eight national qualifiers. Gaitor also served as the school's Associate Head Football Coach running the special teams, defensive backs, and recruiting.
Before Oakland City, Gaitor worked in South Korea as the Humphrys High School Football defensive coordinator and Track and Field coach. Gaitor's other experiences include being a coaching assistant Intern for the University of North Dakota, assisting with Special Teams, Tight Ends, and recruiting. Gaitor previously served as the University of Maine at Presque Isle's assistant Track & Field and assistant Cross Country coach. He also coached football in Lagerfeld, Germany, and Brno, Czech Republic. Gaitor is a 2018 graduate of Webber International University, where he served as a student assistant Track & Field coach.
"I was impressed with Coach Gaitor's knowledge and insight into how he could enhance the track and field program at SAGU. I believe his expertise in the area of recruitment will be impactful to the overall enrollment management plan of SAGU. Coach Gaitor's structure and organization impressed the interview panel. I believe his processes and policies will be appreciated by our student-athletes. Coach comes to SAGU with a vision and a driving desire to help young men and women succeed. His commitment to faith and desire for excellence in the classroom and sport will be successful at SAGU," said SAGU Director of Athletics Dr. Jesse Godding.
"First, I would like to thank God for the opportunity to lead the SAGU Track and Field program. Next, Dr. Godding for trusting me with this gem of a program. When I stepped foot on the SAGU campus, I felt right at home. SAGU welcomed me with open arms. I am so excited and blessed to be working with this administration. I am looking forward to being a pillar in the SAGU and the Waxahachie community. We will run fast, jump far and high, but most importantly, we will worship God and graduate! Go Lions!" remarked Terry Gaitor.
As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered, learning community. We believe in affordable tuition, made possible in part through the financial support of donors who embrace the mission of SAGU and the importance of affordable, accredited programs to train Christians for leadership in ministry, business, education, and service. Most majors are available in-person in Waxahachie, TX, and online through a wide range of associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
