Moorpark College has named longtime assistant coach Eleazar Hernandez head coach of its men's track and field team.

Hernandez has been an assistant coach for the Raiders' track and cross-country programs for 10 years, which included nine consecutive Western State Conference titles and the 2003 men's track and field state championship team.

"He has been an excellent coach and role model for our student athletes for several years," said athletic director Howard Davis.

The Camarillo High and Moorpark College product was also an illustrious runner. Hernandez was the California state men's cross country champion in 1996, when he lead the Raiders to the team title, and the 1997 state champion in the men's 10,000 meters. He remains in the school all-time Top 10 in three track events, the 3,000-meter steeplechase, the 5,000 meters and the 10,000 meters.

Hernandez was the NCAA West regional runner-up in 1998 at the University of Hawaii, Hilo.

"Eleazar's story illustrates what makes community college athletics such a valuable asset to our county," said Davis. "Upon graduation from Camarillo HS, he had no scholarship opportunities. He came to Moorpark College, worked hard in the classroom and on the track. That hard work led to a full scholarship, and eventually a college degree."