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. “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.

Colligan is survived by his wife Jean, daughter, Jessica, and two sons, Max and Sam.

Memorials in lieu of flowers are requested in care of Mark’s children’s education fund.