SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University Athletic Department has seen some new faces walk through its doors during the New Year. With the departure of three coaches and Athletic Assistant Alma Arellano, let's give a warm welcome to our newest employees.
Brett Bowman (Head Strength & Conditioning Coach):
Bowman began his tenure at Western New Mexico University in January of 2024, when he was named as the Mustangs' new Head Strength and Conditioning Coach. He is a native of Annapolis, Maryland. Bowman graduated in 2019 from Gordon College with his Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Sports and Wellness and his Master's in Sports Administration from Coker University in 2023
He moves to Silver City with his fiancé Diamond.
Diamond Crawford (Athletics' Assistant):
Diamond Crawford began her tenure at Western New Mexico University during March of 2024 as the Athletics Administrative Assistant. She is a native of Sumter, South Carolina. Crawford is a graduate of Clemson University with her Bachelor of Sciences in Food Science and Human Nutrition in 2021 and her Master's in Counseling Education and Student Affairs in 2023.
Crawford comes from Coker University where she worked as the Assistant Director of Residence Life and First Year Experience (2023). She moves to Silver City with her fiancé Brett.
Christopher Clift (Defensive Coordinator/ Linebackers Coach):
Coach Christopher Clift began his coaching tenure at Western New Mexico University in March of 2024, when Head Football Coach Billy Hickman named him the Mustangs new Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach. Clift is a native of New London, Ohio. He comes from Wheeling University where he was the team's Director of Football Operations, as well as the Defensive Line Coach. Prior to Wheeling, he was the Defensive Coordinator at Oberlin College. He also has coaching stops at Luther College, Thomas Moore University, Cleveland Benedictine High School and Streetsboro High School.
Clift earned his Bachelor's Degree from Cleveland State and his Master's from Xavier University. He moves to Silver City with his wife Nichole.
Justin Drudik (Offensive Coordinator):
Justin Drudik has been named the Mustangs' new Offensive Coordinator by Head Coach Billy Hickman, with his tenure beginning in March of 2024. Drudik is a native of Hastings, Nebraska. He comes from Southeast Missouri State where he was the Offensive Passing Game Coordinator, as well as the Wide Receivers Coach and as SEMO's recruiting coordinator for three years. Drudik has previous stops at Colorado Mesa, Emporia State and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
He received his undergraduate degree in sports and business administration from Nebraska-Kearney in 2012 and received his master's degree in health and physical education from Emporia State in 2016. Drudik moves to Silver City with his wife Caitlyn and two daughters Olivia and Ellie.
This game recap is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics!
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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, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook & Instagram)
