October 24, 2005
Blake announces resignation as cross country/track and field coach at Methodist

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Halcyon “Tudy” Blake has submitted her resignation as head cross country and track and field coach at Methodist, Methodist Athletic Director Bob McEvoy announced late last week. Blake, who is in her sixth season at Methodist, will finish out the 2005 cross country season and her last day at Methodist is Dec. 10.

McEvoy also announced that a nationwide search for Blake’s replacement has begun.

“Coach Blake was a great role model and mentor to many of our student/athletes during her tenure at Methodist College,” said McEvoy. “She will be missed, and we wish her the best in her future endeavors.”

Last season, Blake paced Methodist cross country to one of its more successful seasons in recent years. The Lady Monarchs placed third at the USA South Athletic Conference championships, while the Monarchs placed fourth. In addition, both teams qualified for the NCAA Division III South Regionals in Atlanta. Individually, Husein Nasiro-Sigo became the first men’s individual conference champion in seven years.

In 2003, the Lady Monarchs finished third in the USA South, while the Monarchs finished fourth. Both squads advanced to the NCAA Division III Regionals for the first time since 1989.

Since coming to Methodist, Blake has transformed both the Monarch and Lady Monarch track and field programs into perennial contenders in the Mason-Dixon Conference. In the 2003, Blake led the Monarchs to second place finishes in both the indoor and outdoor Mason-Dixon championships. She was honored as Mason-Dixon Men’s Indoor Coach of the Year in 2003. Last season, the Monarchs placed second at the Mason-Dixon Outdoor championships.

In 2002 and 2004, Blake sent Monarch athletes to the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field National Championships.