Arkansas State University

Kochel took over A-State's track and field program in 1972 after successful runs at Stuttgart and Pine Bluff High Schools in Arkansas.  His accomplishments soon made him one of the most respected authorities in international track and field circles.

During his time at Arkansas State he piloted teams to 10 conference championships, including nine track and field and one cross country titles.  Kochel’s A-State teams finished in the NCAA’s “Top 20” eight times and “Top 30” 11 times.  He coached 32 All-America selections and seven Olympians as well.

Kochel sent 14 athletes to the U.S. Olympic Trials and also coached Olympian Andrew Valmon after retiring from A-State. Among his successes while at Arkansas State is Gold Medal winner Al Joyner and Bronze Medal winner Earl Bell in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Kochel’s pole vaulters competed in the NCAA indoor championships 14 straight years, with Bell winning the title in 1975 and 1976. Outdoors, Kochel-coached vaulters competed in the NCAA's 15 consecutive years with three – Kelly Riley, Paul Pilla, and Bell (twice) – bringing home the crown.

He also served as the head coach for the United States team in the Junior World Championships in Canada in 1988. Named conference coach of the year six times, he also served as an assistant coach for the U.S. team in the Goodwill Games in Moscow, Russia, in 1986.

In addition, he served as the Vertical Jump Chairman for the U.S. Olympic Development committee from 1985-88 and authored the book, Practical Coaching Techniques for the Pole Vault. He also wrote the chapter on the pole vault in The Athletic Congress' national training/instruction handbook.