LYNCHBURG, VA.- Randolph College Athletics has announced that Ryan Purrington, who has served as an assistant coach with the men's and women's cross country and track and field programs, will serve as the head coach for cross country. He replaces Bill Cooper who takes over the head cross country and track and field position at Sewanee in Tennessee.

"I am extremely excited to have Ryan take over our cross country programs," said Tony Berich, who begins his second year as Randolph's Athletic Director. "As a proud alum, he brings a wealth of experience to the College and his passion and energy will undoubtedly take us to another level."

Purrington was a four-year member of the men's cross country and track teams from 2010-2014. He is the Randolph record-holder in all three cross-country distances. During his tenure as a WildCat, he set several indoor and outdoor track records in the distance events including the mile (4:39.82), 3,000 meter run (9:14.34), 5,000 meter run (16:21.01), 1,500 meter run (4:12.95) and the 5,000 meter run (16:19.97).

"I am incredibly honored to take on this role here at Randolph," said Purrington. "As an alum of the program and founder of the track and field team, I'm excited to help the WildCat cross country teams continue their growth and rise up competitively in both the ODAC and South/Southeast Region."

Purrington is a 2014 graduate of Randolph with a degree in history and a minor in sports and exercise science. He received his Master of Arts in Teaching in 2015. For four years, he taught world history at Altavista Combined School and also served as the assistant cross country and track and field coach for 2 ½ years where he helped the cross country program build from 26 to 41 athletes out of a 733 student body and has coached five athletes to VHSL 1A All-State honors. At Randolph, he has coached athletes who ran eight of 28 school records that were set. He is a Level-2 Certified Endurance/Cross Country Coach by USA Track and Field.