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Post by catamountalum04 on Jul 12, 2016 14:04:01 GMT -5
I wonder who the new coach will be now that Danny has retired
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Danny
Jul 12, 2016 15:55:07 GMT -5
Post by wcatradio75 on Jul 12, 2016 15:55:07 GMT -5
I wonder who the new coach will be now that Danny has retired Wow- Gonna miss that man.
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Post by The Cats on Jul 12, 2016 16:56:57 GMT -5
After a highly successful coaching career spanning the better part of 30 years, Western Carolina head cross country / track & field coach Danny Williamson has announced his retirement. Williamson guided the Catamounts to a combined 32 Southern Conference Championships during his storied career including 18 on the women’s side and 14 in men’s competition.
Statement from Danny Williamson on his Retirement
Today, I announce that effective August 1, 2016, I will be retiring from Western Carolina University as head cross country / track & field coach. I feel honored to have been able to do something that I have loved doing for the past 30 years. It has been an incredible ride that not everyone gets to take. This decision is based upon my wanting to be able to spend more time with my family. For 30 years, my family has allowed me to do this job, regardless of the amount of time that it took or all of the demands that it took and required to get the job done. Now I feel it is time to devote more time to my family, and be able to relax and enjoy the time with them. Thirty years ago, Western Carolina University took a chance on me and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I am so thankful of that chance that they took on me, as it allowed me an opportunity to grow as an individual and be able to make a difference and an impact on many student-athlete's lives. The support received from the WCU administration and support throughout the years cannot go unnoticed, as without all of the backing from everyone the success of the program would be nowhere near where it is today, so again thanks to everyone at Western Carolina from the beginning until the end. We were able to develop something special here at WCU within the cross country / track & field programs, extending beyond just results from athletic events. The student-athletes that have come through the program over the past 30 years were remarkable individuals, as what they were able to accomplish off of the track may be more impressive than what they accomplished on the track. To say the least, they made a huge impact and difference in my life. We were able to create a huge family atmosphere within the program that was the true selling point of the program, along with the success of the program in the Southern Conference. All of the credit of the success goes to the many student-athletes that wore the Catamount uniform, along with the many assistant coaches who on a daily basis were always there for the student-athletes. As I said, it has been a true honor to have been part of the WCU Catamount Family for so many years. To see the program grow into what it is today is something that everyone that has ever been involved in the program can be proud of, because a tradition was developed and carried on. There is never a really good time to walk away, but I feel that now is the time. Winning both the women's and men's 2016 Southern Conference Outdoor Championships this year here in Cullowhee is a perfect ending and a great avenue for me to exit and allow the next chapter of Catamount cross country / track & field to be written. The program is in good hands and has the opportunity to be successful for many years to come.
Statement From Director of Athletics Randy Eaton on Williamson
"Thank you" does not begin to express my personal gratitude to Danny for his years of unselfish service to our student-athletes, our Athletic Department, and Western Carolina University. I am extremely proud of the competitive and academic success that our student-athletes have achieved under Danny's leadership. Danny leaves a legacy that will be impossible to surpass, but we will do our best in choosing his successor.
Statement From Director of Athletics Randy Eaton on the Future of the Cross Country / Track & Field Program
I have named Assistant Coach Cale McDaniel, a former WCU track & field student-athlete who is in his sixth season on-staff in Cullowhee, as the interim head coach. We will immediately begin a national search for our next Head Coach.
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