Former Washington sprint coach LaMonte Vaughn & Gonzaga volunteer coach Forest Braden head to UCLA...

LOS ANGELES--Two coaches with ties to the state of Washington in the form of former Husky sprint and hurdles coach LaMonte Vaughn and Forest Braden, the volunteer distance coach at Gonzaga, are heading south to coach at UCLA.

Vaughn joins the Bruin staff after having previously coached at the University of Washington from October 2004 to September 2008 where he assisted with the sprints and hurdles events. While at Washington, Vaughn had much success, highlighted by six-time NCAA All-American Ashlee Lodree (hurdles) and four-time All-American Jordan Boase (400m). He also helped coach Husky athletes to four NCAA finals in the relays, nine school records, had 19 NCAA Championship participants, 25 West Region qualifiers, two USATF Championship qualifiers and 65 all-time UW top-10 marks. One of his athletes, Shane Charles, also set a national record for Grenadine in the 400m hurdles. Vaughn also coached at Eastern Kentucky University and Marshall University.

"It is an honor to be a part of such a prestigious program," said Vaughn. "I look forward to helping the Bruins add to the strong tradition of UCLA track and field, as well as working with the talented group of young athletes that we have and recruiting new talent to our program. I am excited to meet the proud UCLA alums that have made this such a historic program."

Braden comes to UCLA after having served as a volunteer distance coach at Gonzaga University last season where he worked closely with standout distance coach Pat Tyson. Braden was an All-American runner for new UCLA men's head coach Mike Maynard at Boise State from 2002-2007, earning accolades in cross country and both indoor and outdoor track. He also won seven WAC titles at Boise State.

This season, Braden, who competed professionally for Brooks, finished tenth at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the 10000 meters, running 28:43.98.

"I am thrilled to be on board with the premier athletic university in the country," said Braden. "I am ready to help bring the UCLA distance squads back to conference and national prominence and will dedicate myself to building a program based on hardwork, integrity, and trust. I look forward to coaching some amazing student-athletes and working with one of the best coaching staffs in the country to help bring more conference championships and NCAA titles to UCLA."