MEADVILLE, Pa. – After 14 years at the helm of one of the most dominant cross country and track and field programs in the region, Bill Ross shifts into a key role within the college's athletic administration after being named Associate Director of Athletics and Recreation Services. Director of Athletics and Recreation Betsy Mitchell made the official announcement on Friday.

“I am so pleased to welcome Bill Ross to our administrative staff,” said Mitchell. “While the role and responsibilities of Bill's new position will be fairly different from his responsibilities as our perennially successful head cross country and track coach, the professionalism, humility and focus on students that have been the hallmark of his career will be a tremendous addition to the administration of our overall department.”

Ross has shaped Allegheny College into a formidable running power in his 14-year stint with the Gators, guiding student-athletes to the International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) World Championships and U.S. Olympic Trials. An 11-time U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Regional Coach of the Year and nine-time North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Coach of the Year, Ross has developed 77 NCAA National Championship qualifiers and 34 All-Americans. On four occasions, the men's cross country team enjoyed top-10 finishes at the NCAA Division III National Championship, including third-place performances in 2006 and 2009.

“We will work immediately and diligently, to find the strongest way forward for our cross country and track program as possible,” added Mitchell. “His departure from that role will leave undeniably big shoes to fill, but as an institution we are proud to be able to support the change and growth in his professional goals as he continues to model life long learning and balance for our students.”

As Associate Director of Athletics and Recreation Services, the primary responsibility for Ross will be to shepherd the recreation and fitness opportunities for the entire campus community. Seventy percent of all students at Allegheny College are involved with the recreation program, and Ross's leadership will extend to the supervision, planning, and oversight of the program. He will also have comprehensive command over the college's athletic facilities, and will serve as a liaison with the physical plant. An additional component in the change of focus for Ross is to provide general support of the competitive athletic program as an integral member of the leadership team, and to cultivate community outreach opportunities for Allegheny and its students.

“The platform for future opportunities is the efficient, effective management of our athletic facilities at the Wise Center and Robertson complex. I have complete confidence in Bill to navigate our community's high demand for access to our wonderful athletic and recreational facilities in a way that supports the wide variety of opportunities that our students and community expect.”

Ross is a 1984 graduate of Slippery Rock University where he was a three-year letterwinner in both track and field and football, and qualified for three NCAA Division II Track and Field Championships. A native of Mt. Jewett, Pa., he earned his master's degree in science of exercise and sport from SRU in 1989.

Ross currently resides in Meadville with his wife, Wendy, and their five sons: Tim (24), Zac (19), Tyler (18), Nat (9), and Noah (7).