Cross Country | 8/10/2011 3:34:00 PM
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Thomas R. and Elizabeth E. McLean Foundation is pleased to announce the 2010-11 Methodist University Coach of the Year is director of track & field and cross country, Duane Ross.
The McLean Foundation "Coach of the Year" Award is in its third year as
Francie Barragan and
Steve Conley were the first recipients. The award recognizes the top head coach in the MU athletic department.
"Coach Ross has done an exceptional job of building our track programs into national contenders in a short period of time," director of athletics
Bob McEvoy said. "He has established himself as a great recruiter, as well as being able to get the most out of his student-athletes on the track during his practice sessions. He is well respected by his student-athletes and his peers and is most deserving of the McLean Foundation MU Coach of the Year Award for 2010-11. We are glad Coach Ross is an MU Monarch!"
Ross completed his fourth year at the helm of the track and field program with remarkable success in such a short time. He also serves as the director of both track and cross country and has helped oversee improved programs. This year Ross led the women's indoor and outdoor track and field teams to Mason Dixon Conference Championships, breaking an 11-year streak by Christopher Newport University. The women finished fourth nationally indoors and placed third during the outdoor season. The Monarchs won eight individual national championships while Ross earned South/Southeast Region and Mason Dixon Conference Coach of the Year honors.
The track and field and cross country teams combined for a 2.72 cumulative grade point average and participated in community service projects in conjunction with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
Ross was selected based on
criteria set forth by the McLean Foundation and voted on by a committee of Methodist University faculty and staff.
"I am extremely honored to receive this award amongst so many great coaches at Methodist University," Ross said. "Our student-athletes, my coaching staff and I have worked extremely hard to build this program into one of the best in country. I accept this great honor on behalf of our great student-athletes, coaching staff, and great team parents who have worked tirelessly to make this program what it is today. I would like to thank the McClean Family,
Bob McEvoy, Dr. Hancock, and the numerous other staff, faculty and alumni for their generous support of our track & field and cross country programs."
Ross will receive his award and accompanying stipend at the Methodist University Fall Convocation on September 12 at 11 am in Reeves Auditorium.
