Track and Field                                                               

July 13, 2006
Crystal Williams promoted to track and field head coach
Former track and field assistant will also serve as the cross country assistant coach

FAYETTEVILLE, NC-  Crystal Williams, who previously served as the track and field assistant coach has been promoted to the head coach of the Methodist track and field program, Athletics Director Bob McEvoy announced Thursday.  She will also serve as the assistant coach for the men's and women's cross country programs.

The position was vacated when Matt Hayes, who previously served as both cross country and track and field head coach, resigned in July.  Tim Ryerson, who also serves as the assistant coach for the men's basketball team will serve as the cross country head coach.  With the restructure, the Methodist Track and Field and Cross Country programs will now have two full-time head coaches for the first time in school history.


  • "Coach Williams did a great job as our assistant coach last spring in the sport of track and field," said McEvoy.  "Her knowledge of track and field and her good relationship with our current track student-athletes will make for a smooth transition as she assumes the head coach position for that program."

    • Prior to coming to Methodist in the spring of 2006, Williams served as an assistant cross country and track and field coach at Fort Campbell High School in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.  At Fort Campbell, she was responsible for coaching several event areas including sprints, distance, and pole vault. 

    After winning the Florida state championship as a prep in the 800 meter with a time of 2:08, Williams was offered a full athletic scholarship to the University of Alabama.  Unfortunately, a serious car accident prevented Williams from being able to compete at a high level.  Instead of throwing in the towel, Williams joined the Army ROTC Athletic Team and was a coach as well as a captain.  While on the team Williams was awarded the top Physical Fit Female in the South East at the Army ROTC Athletic Competition. 

    "I am excited about the situation and the great opportunity," Williams said. "I look forward to pushing the athletes to work hard and compete as the track and field and cross country programs continue to grow."

    Williams is a native of Brandon, Fla.  She graduated from the University of Alabama in 2003 with a degree in Telecommunication and Broadcast News.