Westmont College Athletics

 Dave Odell, Westmont's athletic director, has announced the hiring of Jeff Raymond as compliance administrator. Raymond is no stranger to Westmont or to the athletics office. For seven years between 1997 and 2004, he served as Westmont's first fulltime sports information director.
 
"We had a great experience at Westmont during our first stint at the college and it has always held a special place in our hearts," said Raymond. "We've talked in a broad sense about possibly returning someday if we were offered the right opportunity, but realized that opportunity might never happen. So, we are thrilled that all the pieces fell into place to come back. My wife and I are excited to be coming back to the Westmont community."
 
In the 17 years since leaving Santa Barbara, Raymond served as the athletic director and head track and field coach at Trinity Christian College in Illinois (2004-2010) and as the assistant athletic director and head track and field coach at Grace College in Indiana (2010-2021).
 
Raymond will begin serving in his new capacity on September 1.
 
"Westmont athletics has obviously changed over the years, but I'm most excited that its primary goal is still to honor God," stated Raymond. "I've been blessed to be able to work in various areas of college athletics and learn from some fantastic mentors. I hope to use that experience to assist the athletics department as it continues to transform in the coming years.
 
"My first goal with the coaches will be to build trust. They have to be confident that I know what I'm talking about and that I'm knowledgeable about the correct rules, procedures and protocols. Second, I want them to understand that I am there to be a partner in the process and that my main role is not to point out what they're doing wrong - although I might have to do that - but to come alongside them and assist them in building their programs. I think the fact that I've spent 17 years as a collegiate head coach will help in building relationships. I understand the demands and expectations put on coaches at this level."
 
In his first term at Westmont, Raymond was highly regarded for his work in the sports information office. His efforts to capture Westmont's athletic history and records laid the foundation for much of the information currently found on the Westmont athletics website (athletics.westmont.edu). In recognition of his work, Raymond was honored as the 2004 Ike Pearson Award recipient by the NAIA-Sports Information Directors of America.
 
"I would like to thank Dave Odell for trusting me to fill this position and working hard to make it happen," said Raymond. "It is an honor to be able to join the Westmont athletic staff and play a part in the future of Warrior athletics."