Ryan O'Connell Tabbed Cross Country/Track & Field Head Coach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Courtesy of CSC Athletics Communications

NEW LONDON, N.H. – Ryan O'Connell has been named the head coach of the Colby-Sawyer College cross country and track & field programs.  

Colby-Sawyer sponsors men's and women's cross country, men's and women's indoor track & field and men's and women's outdoor track & field.

"Ryan O'Connell is a welcome addition to our coaching staff," said Director of Athletics Bill Foti. "He's demonstrated all of the skills, particularly in recruiting, to be a successful head coach. We have a rich history of success in both Cross Country and Track and Field. I'm confident Ryan will continue that tradition of excellence."

Foti also shared the following sentiments. "I'd like to thank interim coach Jesse Socci for his work with the teams and for ensuring a seamless transition in our recruiting efforts. I'd also like to thank our search committee and the involvement of our student-athletes in helping us choose our next coach.

"I would like to thank Director of Athletics, Bill Foti, as well as the search committee for this incredible opportunity to become the next Head Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at Colby-Sawyer," said O'Connell. "I look forward to building upon the success of this program and furthering our reputation within the conference, region, and nation. I feel extremely grateful to join a community that values both academic and athletic excellence. I am excited to begin working with the women and men on the team and helping bring this program to the next level."

O'Connell joins the Chargers after spending the previous four seasons as the assistant men's and women's cross country and track and field coach at Wheaton College.  Prior to Wheaton, O'Connell spent a year at Bridgewater State University and two seasons as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Springfield College.

As a student-athlete at Springfield, O'Connell had a very successful career as a member of the cross country and track & field teams. He was team captain of both teams, earned All-NEWMAC and All-Region honors in both sports, and was a two-time national qualifier in cross country and also qualified in the 1500-meter.

At Springfield, Ryan earned a bachelor's degree in Recreation and Sport Management in 2013, and completed his Master's degree in Athletic Administration in 2015. 

Additionally, O'Connell has earned USTFCCA Track and Field Academy certifications in strength and conditioning, endurance specialist, and jumps event specialist. He also holds a level 1 technical track and field coaching certification.

O'Connell takes over some of Colby-Sawyer's most successful athletics programs. The men's cross country team has won four-straight conference titles, while the women's cross country team has won five titles in the past six seasons. In the past four years, the men's outdoor track & field team boasts three championships, while the women's team has earned a pair of titles. Colby-Sawyer was scheduled to host the 2020 Great Northeast Athletic Conference Outdoor Track & Field championship before the season was canceled, but the Chargers will remain the host for 2021.