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Contributed by Dave Beyer, McMurry Sports Information Director
ABILENE, Texas - McMurry University Director of Athletics Sam Ferguson has announced that Will Cooper will serve as the interim head cross country coach for the 2016 season. Cooper is already on staff with the War Hawks, serving as an assistant coach with the track and field program (a role he will continue in, as well).
"We are very blessed to have someone of Will's caliber already in place and with the willingness - and desire - to step into such a key role at this juncture of the year," Ferguson said. "He will not only bring a familiarity with War Hawks Athletics to our cross country programs, but also an ease of transition and comfort level for our scholar-athletes because of his work with our track team. I have every confidence in Will's ability to guide our teams and use the sport of cross country to develop champions for life."
Cooper replaces Zack Leggett, who recently stepped down to become the head coach for cross country, as well as track and field, at Hardin-Simmons University.
Cooper officially joined them McMurry University track staff in 2015-16, but has a long association with the university prior to that.
Cooper is a native of Fredericksburg, Texas and competed as a sprinter for McMurry for 2 ½ seasons (2010-12), before a torn hamstring ended his career. Prior to his injury, Cooper had earned a pair of American Southwest Conference championship. He also was a part of McM's 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams which earned berths at the NCAA III championships.
After realizing he could no longer compete, athletically, Cooper became a strength trainer and assisted in coaching sprinters for his team. In 2013-14, Cooper was a strength trainer for McMurry's track, swimming and women's basketball teams. He also continued to volunteer as a sprinter coach for McMurry's track squad.
Cooper earned his bachelor of science degree from McMurry in May of 2014. He was a mathematics (grades 8-12) major, with a minor in curriculum and instruction, and administration of coaching.
"I am excited for this opportunity to gain the role as interim head cross country coach for McMurry," Cooper said. "I want to thank Athletic Director Sam Ferguson, Head Track Coach Brad Parris, my family, and many others for guiding me in this direction. Not only is this a huge step for me in my career, but it is a huge step for this team.
"This is the first year our cross country team will again be allowed to compete for an American Southwest Conference title since the transition and I know the athletes are ready to step up to the plate. They have been working hard all summer and I am ready to see what our returners and incoming freshman will bring to the table as they report on August 16th."
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ABILENE, Texas - McMurry University Director of Athletics Sam Ferguson has announced that Will Cooper will serve as the interim head cross country coach for the 2016 season. Cooper is already on staff with the War Hawks, serving as an assistant coach with the track and field program (a role he will continue in, as well).
"We are very blessed to have someone of Will's caliber already in place and with the willingness - and desire - to step into such a key role at this juncture of the year," Ferguson said. "He will not only bring a familiarity with War Hawks Athletics to our cross country programs, but also an ease of transition and comfort level for our scholar-athletes because of his work with our track team. I have every confidence in Will's ability to guide our teams and use the sport of cross country to develop champions for life."
Cooper replaces Zack Leggett, who recently stepped down to become the head coach for cross country, as well as track and field, at Hardin-Simmons University.
Cooper officially joined them McMurry University track staff in 2015-16, but has a long association with the university prior to that.
Cooper is a native of Fredericksburg, Texas and competed as a sprinter for McMurry for 2 ½ seasons (2010-12), before a torn hamstring ended his career. Prior to his injury, Cooper had earned a pair of American Southwest Conference championship. He also was a part of McM's 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams which earned berths at the NCAA III championships.
After realizing he could no longer compete, athletically, Cooper became a strength trainer and assisted in coaching sprinters for his team. In 2013-14, Cooper was a strength trainer for McMurry's track, swimming and women's basketball teams. He also continued to volunteer as a sprinter coach for McMurry's track squad.
Cooper earned his bachelor of science degree from McMurry in May of 2014. He was a mathematics (grades 8-12) major, with a minor in curriculum and instruction, and administration of coaching.
"I am excited for this opportunity to gain the role as interim head cross country coach for McMurry," Cooper said. "I want to thank Athletic Director Sam Ferguson, Head Track Coach Brad Parris, my family, and many others for guiding me in this direction. Not only is this a huge step for me in my career, but it is a huge step for this team.
"This is the first year our cross country team will again be allowed to compete for an American Southwest Conference title since the transition and I know the athletes are ready to step up to the plate. They have been working hard all summer and I am ready to see what our returners and incoming freshman will bring to the table as they report on August 16th."
More...