The Marist track & field program announced the addition of Colton Cook as an assistant coach specializing in throws for the 2026 indoor and outdoor seasons.

Cook joins the Red Foxes after serving as the Assistant Coach for Throws, Jumps and Sprints at Bard College since 2022, where he helped oversee multiple program-record performances and fostered a culture of academic and athletic excellence.

At Marist, coach Cook will coach the throwing events — shot put, discus, javelin, hammer and weight throw. 

"We are excited and thrilled to welcome Colton to our growing staff," Marist director of cross country and track & field Pete Colaizzo said. "His energy and enthusiasm will help us to expand into event areas in an effort to make us a more complete track and field program."

At Bard, Cook played an integral role in the development of record-setting athletes, including a women's 60-meter program record holder and a women's hammer throw school record holder in 2023.

His athletes also excelled in the classroom, with 21 conference all-academic team selections during his tenure.

A former collegiate thrower himself, Cook competed in the shot put, weight throw and hammer at Minnesota State University - Moorhead from 2019-22.

He was a consistent Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference All-Academic Team selection and a Myles Brand Award winner, honoring excellence in academics, athletics and leadership.

Cook also competed in multiple conference championship meets across indoor and outdoor seasons.

Before focusing on track & field, Cook played collegiate football as an offensive lineman at both South Dakota State and Minnesota State - Moorhead, an experience that shaped his understanding of strength development and competitive preparation.

Cook brings a strong leadership background to Marist. He participated in the 2021 NCAA Leadership Forum in Houston, where he was selected by conference leadership for a multi-day seminar designed to cultivate leadership skills among student-athletes.

Throughout his collegiate career, he served in numerous leadership roles, including positions within Student-Athlete Advisory Committees and campus organizations.

Academically, Cook earned a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Bard College Conservatory of Music in 2024 after completing a Bachelor of Science in Music Education at Minnesota State University - Moorhead.

His commitment to excellence extended to the classroom, where he was a multiple-time Dean's List honoree, including a 4.0 GPA semester.

Cook resides in Red Hook, New York.