Peterson Named Interim Director and Head Coach of XC/Track
10/27/2023 10:29:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
Russ Peterson has been named the RedHawks' Interim Director and Head Coach of Cross Country/Track, Miami University Director of Athletics David Sayler announced.
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Peterson initially joined Miami's coaching staff as an assistant track and field coach prior to the 2015-16 season, becoming assistant head coach in 2017 and then earning a promotion to associate head coach in 2022. During his tenure, Miami has won men's cross country team titles in 2018 and 2022 and a men's outdoor track team championship in 2021.
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In his time working with the RedHawks' sprinting, hurdling, jumping and relay events, Miami student-athletes have set more than 25 school records.
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"Coach Peterson was the difference between me just being a part of a track team in college and me achieving well beyond what I ever expected possible throughout my time as a Miami athlete," said former RedHawk runner Olivia Bechtel '21.
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"His passion and knowledge about the sport, highly efficient training methods, and confidence he instilled in me allowed me to continuously challenge myself to develop into the best athlete I could become. Anyone who has had the opportunity to work with him knows he is more than deserving of this new position."
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Peterson's coaching career includes stops at Augustana College, Colgate, Iowa and Western Illinois before he arrived in Oxford eight years ago. He owns a Bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa, where he qualified for the NCAA Championships in all eight of his track seasons (indoor and outdoor), along with a Master's degree in Education (with an emphasis on athletic administration) from Augustana.
"I am truly honored and excited to serve as the Interim Director for the Men's and Women's Cross Country/Track and Field program," Peterson said. "This opportunity marks a new chapter in my coaching career and underscores my commitment to fostering growth, integrity and success among our athletes. Alongside the dedicated administration of Jennie Gilbert and David Sayler, our coaching staff, including De'Sean Turner, Kristin Cupido, and Ryan Smith, and with our incredible athletes, we will strive for excellence and aim to 'Graduate Champions.'
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"I eagerly anticipate the journey ahead and the collective achievements we will celebrate as a united and determined team."
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Peterson initially joined Miami's coaching staff as an assistant track and field coach prior to the 2015-16 season, becoming assistant head coach in 2017 and then earning a promotion to associate head coach in 2022. During his tenure, Miami has won men's cross country team titles in 2018 and 2022 and a men's outdoor track team championship in 2021.
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In his time working with the RedHawks' sprinting, hurdling, jumping and relay events, Miami student-athletes have set more than 25 school records.
Â
"Coach Peterson was the difference between me just being a part of a track team in college and me achieving well beyond what I ever expected possible throughout my time as a Miami athlete," said former RedHawk runner Olivia Bechtel '21.
Â
"His passion and knowledge about the sport, highly efficient training methods, and confidence he instilled in me allowed me to continuously challenge myself to develop into the best athlete I could become. Anyone who has had the opportunity to work with him knows he is more than deserving of this new position."
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Peterson's coaching career includes stops at Augustana College, Colgate, Iowa and Western Illinois before he arrived in Oxford eight years ago. He owns a Bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa, where he qualified for the NCAA Championships in all eight of his track seasons (indoor and outdoor), along with a Master's degree in Education (with an emphasis on athletic administration) from Augustana.
"I am truly honored and excited to serve as the Interim Director for the Men's and Women's Cross Country/Track and Field program," Peterson said. "This opportunity marks a new chapter in my coaching career and underscores my commitment to fostering growth, integrity and success among our athletes. Alongside the dedicated administration of Jennie Gilbert and David Sayler, our coaching staff, including De'Sean Turner, Kristin Cupido, and Ryan Smith, and with our incredible athletes, we will strive for excellence and aim to 'Graduate Champions.'
Â
"I eagerly anticipate the journey ahead and the collective achievements we will celebrate as a united and determined team."
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