SWCC track coach named
CRESTON — After an extensive external search, Southwestern Community College (SWCC) hired a coach from within to lead the college’s new track and field program.
Bill Huntington, who has been the Spartans cross country coach for the past six years, was announced as the head coach for the program that will begin this fall.
Huntington is wrapping up his duties as dean of students at Orient-Macksburg High School and will start full-time at Southwestern July 9.
SWCC has had a cross country program in place since 2006.
The Spartans’ men’s and women’s cross country teams, under the direction of Huntington and Assistant Coach Cari Stalker, have been national contenders throughout the years.
They have led the Southwestern cross country team to a national ranking for the past six years.
Huntington has also succeeded in coaching at the high school level for Orient-Macksburg.
Bill Krejci, SWCC athletic director, is excited about the addition of track and field to the college’s running programs.
“Track and cross country go hand in hand at the collegiate level,” Bill Krejci, SWCC athletic director, said. “Student athletes are much more likely to come to a college that offers both sports.”
According to Krejci, recruiting for the cross country and track and field programs have gone well this summer.
Currently, Krejci estimates 30 student athletes will be participating in the programs beginning with the fall 2012 semester.
The college’s track and field position is paired with a career and technical recruiter position in SWCC’s admissions department.
“In this position, Bill will focus on the recruitment of students for Southwestern’s career and technical education programs,” Dr. Matt Thompson, SWCC dean of student services, said. “He will visit high schools to educate students and educators about the career-related programs offered at SWCC.”
Red Oak track and cross country athlete Brandon Bergren recently signed a letter of intent to join the newly formed SWCC track and field team.