MEADVILLE, Pa. – Brent Wilkerson has been selected to serve as interim head coach for the men's and women's cross country and track and field programs at Allegheny College it was announced by Director of Athletics Betsy Mitchell on Wednesday. Wilkerson's promotion fills a void left by the departure of long-time head coach Bill Ross, and follows a successful one-year stint as an assistant coach for the Gators.

“I am very excited about the responsibility Betsy Mitchell has trusted me with in becoming the interim head track & field coach,” remarked Wilkerson. “I look to continue a great tradition that Coach Ross has created here at Allegheny College. With the team having such strong leadership from its upper classman I expect the transition to be smooth. As always our student athletes come first, and I will do my best to provide them with a great experience.”

Last season, Wilkerson helped guide the men's cross country team to a third-place finish at the NCAA Division III Championship, while then-sophomore Lauren Butler copped All-American honors in the javelin. Under his direct supervision, the Gators' track and field unit claimed six conference titles and secured 17 NCAC All-Conference accolades.

Prior to Allegheny, Wilkerson spent three seasons as the assistant track & field coach at Marietta College, helping the Pioneers crown two conference champions and break 49 school records in 22 events.

“Brent is a fantastic young coach who is ready to take the next steps in his career,” said Mitchell. I have confidence in him to take the helm of our very successful track and field and cross country program and shepherd it through the next year. He is a caring and committed educator, knowledgeable and skilled coach and an excellent communicator. He has very good rapport with our students and has demonstrated that the total student education is a top priority but not mutually exclusive to competitive success.”

A 2006 graduate of Wilmington College of Ohio, Wilkerson was a two-time track & field All-American and 2005 Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Runner of the Year. He was also a 15-time All-Conference performer and 13-time All-Ohioan for the Quakers. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Wilmington, he went on to earn a Masters of Education from Marietta this past March. Wilkerson also has a USATF Level 1 Coaching Certification.