By Brian Larson, U-Mary Sports Information Director
Following four straight appearances at the NCAA women's national cross country championships, national assistant coach of the year Dennis Newell has been promoted to head coach at the University of Mary. Marauders Athletic Director Roger Thomas today officially announced Newell as U-Mary's head men's and women's cross country coach.
The associate cross country head coach since joining the U-Mary coaching staff in 2006, Newell maintains his status as the men's and women's track and field assistant head coach in charge of the distance events. The U-Mary men's and women's track and field program continues under the direction of Head Coach Mike Thorson.
"We are pleased to award Dennis Newell the title of head coach," said Thomas. "Dennis has directed our tremendously successful cross country program for several years and it is important that we recognize his contributions to the University of Mary. The head coaching title more accurately describes his role in our athletic program. We look forward to Dennis continuing to provide outstanding direction for the Marauders cross country program."
Newell directed the Marauders to the NCAA Division II women's cross country national championships for the first time in 2009, placing 18th in the country. The squad improved to 11th in 2010 before jumping to fifth in 2011. Despite injury issues last season U-Mary claimed 13th place.
In seven years at U-Mary coaching the men's and women's cross country teams, Newell has coached six All-Americans, ten all-region performers, 38 all-Northern Sun selections, and two conference champions. He was named the 2010 NSIC Coach of the Year.
"I am privileged that the University of Mary has made the decision to award me the title of Head Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach," said Newell. "I believe this decision by U-Mary is a direct reflection of the school's trust and commitment in myself and my ability to direct and guide our program and the student-athletes to success on and off the course and for my loyalty and the hard work I have put into the program over the last seven years.
"The title change clarifies cross country responsibilities, accountability and direction for prospective recruits, current student-athletes, administration and staff. Nothing changes in regards to Coach Thorson and myself; cross country will continue to follow a consistent and parallel path that fits within the overall cross country and track & field vision provided by Mike Thorson.
"I feel extremely lucky to be a part of a program that has the opportunities and resources to succeed like we currently do, and hope to continue the success we provide for so many individuals on and off the track and cross country course. I would like to thank Mike Thorson, Roger Thomas and Monsignor James Shea for their hard work and faith in giving me yet another opportunity regarding my coaching and teaching aspirations at U-Mary."
In addition to success in cross country, Newell played an integral role in U-Mary winning five women's Northern Sun indoor and five outdoor conference championships and a men's indoor conference title. The nationally ranked women's track & field program also has placed among the top 15 several times at the NCAA championships.
"You don't often find a coach who possesses the passion that Dennis does," said Thorson. "He has already accomplished some great things with our program and he wants to continue improving. I am excited and pleased that Dennis will continue coaching at the University of Mary."
A three time regional track coach of the year, Newell earned 2013 US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association National Women's Indoor Coach of the Year honors after coaching two event champions at the NCAA championships. Melissa Agnew won the mile run and anchored a championship Distance Medley Relay team, the first two U-Mary NCAA championships in any program. His student-athletes accounted for all but one of the team's 25 points that earned the Marauders a ninth-place finish.
Agnew captured another NCAA title in the 1,500 meter run at the 2013 outdoor championships.
Newell has now coached 127 all-conference performers, 36 Northern Sun champions, 24 All-Americans and three NCAA champions at U-Mary. A ten-time All-American himself while competing at Black Hills State University, Newell's athletes also have won numerous academic honors.
The associate cross country head coach since joining the U-Mary coaching staff in 2006, Newell maintains his status as the men's and women's track and field assistant head coach in charge of the distance events. The U-Mary men's and women's track and field program continues under the direction of Head Coach Mike Thorson.
"We are pleased to award Dennis Newell the title of head coach," said Thomas. "Dennis has directed our tremendously successful cross country program for several years and it is important that we recognize his contributions to the University of Mary. The head coaching title more accurately describes his role in our athletic program. We look forward to Dennis continuing to provide outstanding direction for the Marauders cross country program."
In seven years at U-Mary coaching the men's and women's cross country teams, Newell has coached six All-Americans, ten all-region performers, 38 all-Northern Sun selections, and two conference champions. He was named the 2010 NSIC Coach of the Year.
"I am privileged that the University of Mary has made the decision to award me the title of Head Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach," said Newell. "I believe this decision by U-Mary is a direct reflection of the school's trust and commitment in myself and my ability to direct and guide our program and the student-athletes to success on and off the course and for my loyalty and the hard work I have put into the program over the last seven years.
"The title change clarifies cross country responsibilities, accountability and direction for prospective recruits, current student-athletes, administration and staff. Nothing changes in regards to Coach Thorson and myself; cross country will continue to follow a consistent and parallel path that fits within the overall cross country and track & field vision provided by Mike Thorson.
"I feel extremely lucky to be a part of a program that has the opportunities and resources to succeed like we currently do, and hope to continue the success we provide for so many individuals on and off the track and cross country course. I would like to thank Mike Thorson, Roger Thomas and Monsignor James Shea for their hard work and faith in giving me yet another opportunity regarding my coaching and teaching aspirations at U-Mary."
In addition to success in cross country, Newell played an integral role in U-Mary winning five women's Northern Sun indoor and five outdoor conference championships and a men's indoor conference title. The nationally ranked women's track & field program also has placed among the top 15 several times at the NCAA championships.
"You don't often find a coach who possesses the passion that Dennis does," said Thorson. "He has already accomplished some great things with our program and he wants to continue improving. I am excited and pleased that Dennis will continue coaching at the University of Mary."
A three time regional track coach of the year, Newell earned 2013 US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association National Women's Indoor Coach of the Year honors after coaching two event champions at the NCAA championships. Melissa Agnew won the mile run and anchored a championship Distance Medley Relay team, the first two U-Mary NCAA championships in any program. His student-athletes accounted for all but one of the team's 25 points that earned the Marauders a ninth-place finish.
Agnew captured another NCAA title in the 1,500 meter run at the 2013 outdoor championships.
Newell has now coached 127 all-conference performers, 36 Northern Sun champions, 24 All-Americans and three NCAA champions at U-Mary. A ten-time All-American himself while competing at Black Hills State University, Newell's athletes also have won numerous academic honors.
Well done, Coach Newell!
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