Mark Colligan, 47, a member of the Husker track and field coaching staff since 1987, died June 8 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was with the team, which was competing in the NCAA championships.
According to a Husker athletics news release, Colligan was found unresponsive in his hotel room.
"We are very saddened to hear of Mark Colligan’s unexpected death," athletic director Tom Osborne said in the release. "He has been taken from us at far too young of an age. We are very aware of the needs of his family at this most difficult time, and our thoughts and prayers are with them. Mark was a fine student-athlete for us here at Nebraska and he has done an outstanding job coaching our throws events, including numerous conference and NCAA champions."
Colligan had five athletes competing in Des Moines.
Colligan graduated from UNL in 1986 with a degree in business administration. He was a successful Husker track athlete, was voted a team captain as a senior and won the Big Eight outdoor shot put title. He qualified for the NCAA indoor and outdoor championships as a senior. He was also named the team's most-improved athlete in 1983 and 1986.
He joined the Husker coaching staff as throws coach in 1987. During his tenure, Colligan coached 74 conference champions and five athletes who have earned a combined 12 national titles.
"Mark has been a part of our program as an athlete and a coach for over 25 years and it has been a pleasure to have him has both a colleague and friend," head coach Gary Pepin said in the release. "Mark was a vital member in the success of our program and he will be missed both on and off the track. Our thoughts go out to his wife and children and we ask the Husker family to keep them in their thoughts.”
Colligan is survived by his wife Jean, daughter, Jessica, and two sons, Max and Sam.
Services are pending with Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th St.