Former All-Big 12 performer Peter Hess joined the UTPA track and field / cross country staff in September of 2004 after serving as the assistant track and field / cross country coach at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL.
In his first season with the Bronc and Lady Bronc cross country programs, Hess played an integral part in the training and development of two of the team's top runners in Hector Gandara and Bertha Castillo. Gandara was named Independent Runner of the Year following a pair of individual titles at the Texas State Invitational and Independent Championships. Castillo was the Lady Broncs' top finisher in all six meets this past season, recording three top 10 finishes including ninth at Independent Championships.
Prior to coming to the Rio Grande Valley, Hess spent one season at Central Florida where he was involved in the training of Karen Kozub, who won the Atlantic Sun Conference 800 Meter Championship and qualified for the NCAA Regional Meet. Central Florida's women's track and field program outlasted Georgia State to capture the Atlantic Sun Conference title with Hess on the coaching staff.
Hess was also held several responsibilities off the track where he assisted in team travel, budget requests, scheduling and home meet management. He played a main role in recruiting as well as the pre-enrollment process of potential student-athletes.
Prior to joining Central Florida, Hess spent one season with the University of Florida track and field / cross country teams where he worked with the female middle distance runners. He also directed the Gators' 2003 Cross Country Camp that consisted of 35 athletes.
A graduate of Iowa State University, Hess was a two-time All-Big 12 indoor mile award winner and garnered All-Big 12 accolades in the 1500 meters. A two-time team captain, Hess was also a standout in the classroom where he was a member of both the Big 12 Cross Country All-Academic Team and Big 12 Track and Field All-Academic Team on four occasions.
During his tenure at ISU, Hess was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council and served on the Public Relations and Student Life Committee. He was also involved in the Community Outreach program. Hess held a role on the Athletic Council, which participated as a part of the Equity Council and Fiscal Integrity Council.
The UTPA assistant coach holds a USATF Level I and II Coaches Certification.
Hess graduated from ISU with a double degree in management information systems and finance in 2003. He is currently a candidate for a master's degree in business administration from Central Florida University. Hess is engaged to Jessica Hanchett.
