MONTREAT, N.C.— Earlier this week, Jason Lewkowicz, Director of Cross Country and Track & Field, announced the hiring of Chester Hightower to head the Montreat men's and women's track & field programs. With the addition of Hightower's newly created position, Lewkowicz now focuses on his director role as well as cross country/distance running.
 
Hightower joins the Cavaliers following three years as the Associate Track & Field Coach at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Fla. While with the Fire, Hightower saw numerous national achievements from his athletes. Under his direction for sprints and relays, SEU claimed its first national championship in the 2021 indoor women's 4x400m relay and its initial individual track & field national champion in the 200m during the 2021 outdoor season. The Fire produced 28 national qualifiers and 21 All-Americans in their initial three years with Hightower on staff, translating to a program-best national ranking of No. 5 for both the men's and women's track & field teams.
 
In addition to national accolades, Hightower also coached his athletes to conference and institution success. Throughout his time with the school, Southeastern amassed numerous academic achievements as well as 20 individual SUN Conference Champions, while tallying six team championships. With Hightower's assistance, the sprint group alone generated multiple school records and set seven conference records. Hightower coached a SUN Conference Freshman of the Year as well as two USTFCCCA South Region Finalists for Track Athlete of the Year. Due to the success of the program, Hightower earned a pair of USTFCCCA South Region Assistant Coach of the Year awards himself.
 
"I am thrilled to welcome Chester [Hightower] to the Montreat family. He has had a major role in building a championship program at Southeastern and is a rising star in the coaching ranks," stated Lewkowicz. He added, "More importantly, [Chester] is a man of integrity and high character who understands and identifies with our Christ-centered mission. We are blessed to have him lead our track & field program and I have no doubt that he will help elevate us to new heights in the classroom, in the community, and on the track."
 
Prior to his time at SEU, Hightower played football and was a prominent track athlete at NCAA Division II Stillman College. From 2007 to 2010, he earned a football scholarship and immediately made an impact for his team. Hightower was named the Freshman of the Year, earned First Team All-Conference recognition and claimed the Most Outstanding Offensive Back award.
 
As a track athlete on scholarship from 2007 to 2011, Hightower amassed several conference and national distinguishments. Over those years, he was a three-time NCAA DII national qualifier, a two-time SIAC Champion, a First Team All-Conference honoree, a two-time Division II South Region Champion, placed on the All-Region Team, was twice the team's MVP, won the team's Top Performer award and was given the Best Track Athlete award.
 
In May of 2013, Hightower graduated from Stillman with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education. He is currently working toward his master's degree in kinesiology from Southeastern with an anticipated graduation date of April of 2022.
 
"I am humbled and thankful for the opportunity to lead the Montreat College Track & Field program," Hightower noted. "Montreat combines elite athletics and academics with outstanding leadership and a Christian community. When I spoke to Jose [Larios], I was immediately impressed with his vision and passion for Montreat Athletics as a whole, as well as track and field. I'm thankful to President Maurer, Jose, and Jason [Lewkowicz] for giving me a chance at this amazing opportunity."
 
Hightower started his own AAU track club in Thomasville, Ga., which has produced several AAU National Champions and additional region champions. He also served as the track coach and an assistant football coach at Thomas County Central Middle School for four years.
 
"I firmly believe we can continue to build upon this strong program and compete for and win AAC and National Championships while changing lives academically, athletically and spiritually. I am excited to get started in Montreat," Hightower concluded.
 
The Boston, Ga. native, who currently resides in Lakeland, Fla., will transition to the Montreat area to join the teams shortly, as the track & field seasons continue in the spring semester.