Remove that interim tag and replace it with a permanent one.

Brett Crowley has been named head track and field and cross country coach at Indiana University East, the school announced June 4.

Crowley served as the Red Wolves' interim track and field coach during the 2012 season.

"Brett did a tremendous job as our interim coach this past spring," said IU East athletic director Mark Hester. "He demonstrated the organization and work ethic necessary from a coach, and that makes him a fantastic choice moving forward for our track and field and cross country programs."

Crowley led both IU East track and field teams to top-three finishes at the 2012 Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference meet. The Red Wolves won eight events at the KIAC meet. Long jumpers Josiah Lemons and Brandon Muncie became the first IU East track and field athletes to advance to the national meet.

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity," Crowley said. "My experience as an interim coach was a great experience. I hope the momentum and success we had from our spring season in 2012 will carry over to the 2012-13 school year."

Crowley is entering his seventh year of service at IU East. He coordinates the IU East Academic Success Plan as part of IU East retention initiatives in addition to his duties as Director of Student Support Services.  

Crowley is a native of Columbus, Ind., and grew up in the Cincinnati and Milford, Ohio, areas.

He holds a Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration from Indiana University.

Crowley previously served for three years as admissions/athletic liaison at his alma mater, the University of the Cumberlands, where he graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in History. He then served eight years at the University of Indianapolis as Assistant Director of Admissions/NCAA Clearinghouse Office/athletic liaison. He also served at Thomas More College in similar capacity.

Crowley has 13 half-marathons under his belt and is an avid cyclist. He plans to complete his USA Track & Field Level 1 certification this summer.

His message to prospective Red Wolves athletes:

"My philosophy is based upon our student-athletes focusing on constant self-improvement. We want to develop individual athletes, as well as a team, that will be strong academically and fundamentally sound. We also want to learn and develop a sense of character. If we're not teaching character, we're not doing our job very well."

Crowley took the helm of the IU East track and field program for the spring upon prior coach Tyler Daugherty's return to his native Iowa.

He fills the cross country vacancy created when Pam Mertz stepped down following the 2011 season after taking IU East cross country runners to the national meet in all three of her seasons.