Silver City, NM - Wednesday morning Frank Tristan informed the Western New Mexico University Athletics administration he will be moving back to Springfield, MO, to be with his family.

"Today is a difficult day for the Western New Mexico Mustang Athletic Department. Coach Tristan, our Head Football Coach, has decided to move on from WNMU and relocate back to Springfield, MO, area. We have lost a great coach, but more than that, a great person:" said Executive Director of Athletics, Scott Noble.

"I'm incredibly thankful and blessed to have had the opportunity to coach at WNMU for the last three years. I take great pride in leading the Mustangs and it has been an honor for me in doing so" said Tristan. "God has opened up doors for my family to live near our families for the first time in a decade. My wife and I have both been given the opportunity to pursue careers we love."

Tristan has played a vital role in the development of the WNMU football program. Since day one of his arrival, Tristan has implemented a culture of full of love, passion, and a family environment. Coach Tristan's passion and commitment to his team welcoming each other as a family has drastically impacted his student-athletes lives.

"I want to thank every player I have gotten the opportunity to coach. It has been a blessing to be a part of a special group of men that represented the program and themselves as individuals, with great pride. The hardest thing for me is to leave the seniors and coaches that have been with me during my time as a Mustang." said Tristan.

During his three years as a Mustang, Tristan saw the program continue to grow. Tristan helped push to get lighting and new turf, helping the improvement of Ben Altamirano Field.

"I want to thank Scott Noble and the hiring committee that trusted me with the football program. I loved my time at WNMU and Silver City and want to thank each person that welcomed us! I wish WNMU nothing but the best in their future endeavors" concluded Tristan.

WNMU administration has begun the search for the Mustangs' new leader who will share our moral values, compete, and has the essential experience to lead the Mustangs to success. We will continue building the culture within this program and stay committed to the development of student-athletes.
 

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 Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (Twitter & Instagram).