July 17, 2008
Cross Country and Track and Field to Join Forces
Both programs unite under one umbrella

FAYETTEVILLE, NC -  Methodist University Director of Athletics, Bob McEvoy, has recently announced the merging of Cross Country and Track and Field to come under one umbrella. Duane Ross will serve as the Director of Track and Field and Cross Country while continuing to act as the Head Track and Field Coach. Tim Ryerson will continue duties as the Head Cross Country Coach and Assistant Men's Basketball Coach.

Ross recently completed his first year with the Monarchs after an illustrious professional career. In his first season at the helm of the Methodist program, the Monarchs competed at both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships while Tazz Petty earned All-American honors in the 55 meter and 100 meter dashes. Bill Dunn will assist Ross as the Middle Distance Coach for the Track and Field program.

"I am very excited about bringing together the success of the track and field program along with the success of the cross country program to make one complete program," Ross said. "I am very excited about the future as we strive to become a nationally recognized program."

Ryerson will begin his third year leading the men's and women's cross country teams this fall. Both teams finished fifth in the USA South Athletic Conference last season with Husein Nasiro-Sigo leading the team with NCAA Championship appearances three consecutive years.

"I look forward to working with Coach Ross as our programs connect and become more intertwined," Ryerson commented. "The cross country and track and field athletes will benefit and the Methodist program will reach new heights."