Bakersfield College recently hired a new track coach to replace outgoing coach of 42 years, Bob Covey.

Dave Frickel of Citrus College was hired because of his “outstanding experience,” said BC athletics director Jan Stuebbe.

“He’ll be a very good fit to BC and the community,” said Stuebbe.

Frickel, who is currently the head track coach at Citrus College, has 27 years of coaching experience, both at the college and high school levels.

In a telephone interview with The Rip, Frickel said he came to BC because of Bakersfield’s sports tradition.

He said that he hopes to carry on BC’s track tradition and possibly improve upon it.

“It will be hard to follow in Covey’s footsteps,” said Frickel.

Outgoing coach Covey said he thinks Frickel will be a good fit at BC.

“He’s very knowledgeable,” said Covey.

Frickel taught at Chino High School for 16 years and South Hills High School for four years before becoming the head coach at Citrus.