Pat Ponder begins his fourth season as the head track and field and cross country coach at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Under his wing, Ponder has coached a National Champion in the javelin and 36 athletes to All-American status; and has seen 11 school records fall.

Ponder returned to A&M-Commerce in 2003 after serving one year as the head track & field and cross country coach at Wayland Baptist University in 2002.

From 1996-2001, Ponder was the assistant track coach at A&M-Commerce, and head cross country coach through 1999-2001. His coaching experience dates back to 1989, when he was selected to replace retiring Jim Mack Sawyer at Henderson State University in 1989 and 1990 and then at Northwood University from 1990-1996. Ponder was responsible for building the program from the ground at Northwood. "I have many coaches that have been very positive influences in my professional career" "My former coach Bob Gravett from Ouachita Baptist, Chris Schrader high school coach, and John McDonnell from the University of Arkansas."

Pat's success has not only been on the track, but in the classroom as well. Seven of Coach Ponder's cross country teams have earned Academic All-American Team honors. His 1992 Northwood team finished tied for second in the nation.

A graduate from Ouachita Baptist University in 1988, Ponder lettered in track and cross country all four years, and was an NAIA national qualifier in cross country from 1984-87. In 1986-1988, Ponder was an NAIA national qualifier in track and a two-time AIC conference champion in the 5,000 meter run. He also ranked #2 on the all time list in that event and holds the school record in the 10,000 meter run. Ponder also ran on the 1988 Team Arkansas Ediken Marathon team in New York City. He earned a Masters of Science of Education degree at Henderson State University.

The 42 year old Ponder is married to the former Michele Montgomery of Comanche, Texas. They reside in Commerce and have two daughters, Kenna (9) and Kylee (7).