ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University Director of Athletics Bill D'Andrea on Thursday announced that former Limestone College head coach Kevin Eagle has been named the new head cross country and track and field coach for the Black and Gold.
"It is an honor to be named the new Head Cross Country and Track & Field coach at Anderson University," said Eagle. "I am truly blessed to be given this opportunity to work with a great group of talented young runners and trying to take them to the next level. I am extremely excited to meet the team and get to work right away with reaching our goals. I know that these teams have high expectations for success this year and are willing to put in the work. As a coach, this is truly all that you can ask for."
Eagle arrives in the Electric City after four seasons at the helm of the Limestone cross country and track and field programs, where his Saints earned All-Conference Carolinas Cross Country honors on 22 occasions. Eagle guided the Saints to the 2016 Conference Carolinas' Men's Indoor Track and Field title and the Limestone women's cross country squad was runner-up at last season's conference championship.
Under Eagle's tutelage, Limestone's Marshawn Scott became the first Saint to earn an individual national title by taking home top honors in the 60 meter hurdles in a time of 7.92. Scott went on to capture All-America honors with a with a fourth place finish in the 110 meter hurdles at the 2017 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in May.
In 2015, freshman Sarah Rutto became the first runner in the history of the Limestone College cross country programs to qualify for the NCAA National Championships as she set a school record record at the Southeast Regional Championships, while Tristan Perignon was a three-time Conference Carolinas' titleholder in the 800 meters.
Eagle's teams have performed in the classroom as well, with eight student-athletes garnering Academic All-America recognition.
Prior to his stint in Gaffney, Eagle spent the 2012-13 season as an assistant cross country and track and field coach for the Gillette College (Wyo.), men's and women's programs. He helped guide 21 Pronghorns to the NJCAA Indoor/Outdoor National Championships, while seeing a pair of athletes qualify for the USA Track & Field Nationals in 2013. Eagle helped develop a combined nine cross country and track & field athletes to All-America status, with four claiming Academic All-America honors during his time in the Cowboy State.
During his time at Gillette, he was responsible for scheduling and managing meet arrangements that included all aspects of hotel, transportation, meals and practices as well as recruitment efforts for the program. Eagle also handled individualized daily workouts, managed the cross country and track & field budget and organized volunteer and fundraising opportunities for the programs. Eagle also served as an Associate Professor of Physical Education & Health Science and the school's Sports Information Director.
"Kevin Eagle is a great fit for our university and our department," said D'Andrea. "Kevin Licht did a tremendous job during his time here and is leaving the program in great shape. Kevin [Eagle] has enjoyed success as a head coach and I am confident that he will do an outstanding job here and we are excited to have him join the Anderson University family."
As an assistant coach at Limestone in 2011-12, Eagle helped guide the Saints' men's and women's track and field teams to second place at the Conference Carolinas' Championships. He served as team captain of the Limestone men's cross country team during his junior and senior campaigns and held six track and field distance records, ranging from the 800 meter to the 5000 meter run.
In the classroom, Eagle was a two-time NCAA Academic honoree.
Eagle received his bachelor's degree in sports management, with a minor in business administration from Limestone in 2010 after competing for the Saints. He earned his master's degree in Sports Management-Intercollegiate Athletic Administration from California University of Pennsylvania in 2012.
