MEADVILLE, Pa. – Brent Wilkerson has been named 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 Tuesday. Wilkerson accepted the appointment after serving as the programs' interim head coach for the last eight months.
“Brent earned this position because of his immense tactical knowledge, his passion and ability to be a dynamic educator of the whole student, demonstrated organizational and communication skills, and an outstanding work ethic,” remarked Mitchell. “I have complete confidence in Coach Wilkerson's abilities to not only continue our historic success in these areas, but also in taking our programs to the next level.”
Wilkerson has enjoyed a successful stint as the program's commander, including an NCAC Men's Cross Country Championship and a spot at the NCAA Championships this past fall. During the season, the Gators rose to No. 2 in the national polls, the highest ranking in team history.
Last week, the track and field programs combined to earn 20 All-Conference honors and capture six individual-event titles. In addition, junior Lauren Butler was named NCAC Indoor Field Athlete of the Year.
This weekend, Wilkerson will guide the men's distance relay to nationals as Allegheny takes a shot at an NCAA championship. Earlier in the year, the Gators finished one second off the existing Division III national record and will enter this season's stacked field as one of the top five relays in the country.
Prior to arriving at 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. 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.
