Veteran coach Doug Pierce has been hired as an assistant for the Siuslaw Vikings' track and field teams, athletic director and coach Chris Johnson announced Wednesday.

"Pierce has over 50 years of track and field coaching experience," Johnson noted in a media release. "Some of his positions include 27 years as the head track and field coach at Reedsport High School, six years as an assistant track coach at Willamette University in Salem, five years as both an assistant  and then the head coach at Moscow High School in Moscow, Idaho, and, most recently, Pierce has been a volunteer assistant at Siuslaw."

Pierce will be tasked with developing sprinters and high jumpers.

"But because of his broad track and field coaching background, he will work with several different event groups," Johnson said.

"We are excited to add Doug to our staff. Doug's ability to coach any event will bring both stability and flexibility to our coaching staff."

First practice for track and field is Feb. 28.