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North Park Names New Track, Cross Country Coaches
CHICAGO, IL (August 11, 2005) - Two coaches have been hired for the men's and
women's track and cross country teams at North Park University.
The new coaches are Tracey Murnane, who will lead the women's teams, and
Elliott Marshall Nott, who will coach the men's teams. "I think we have
two very talented young coaches who have the capability of being
exceptional coaches," says Jack Surridge, the university's athletic
director.
As a member of the Benedictine women's track and field team from 2000 to
2002, Murnane is the holder of seven school records, was a two-time team
captain, is a recipient of the Most Valuable Runner and was twice a NCAA
Division III national qualifier. She was twice named the cross country
Female Athlete of the Year in the Northern Illinois and Iowa Conference,
as well as receiving All American honors. She later transferred to Lewis
University, where she was a Great Lakes Valley Conference Champion, GLVC
Academic All-Conference, and a Division II national qualifier.
"I'm very excited to be here," Murnane says. "This is like a dream come
true. It is an opportunity of a lifetime." Murnane says she is attracted
to coaching at North Park University because of its commitment to
integrating academics, athletics and faith.
Nott also brings a history of athletic success as well as administration
experience. A graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington,
Illinois, Nott was a four-time Most Valuable Player for the school and
also was named CCIW All Conference as many times in cross country. In
addition to many college track and field honors, Nott was the 1993
Illinois State champion in the 1600 meters.
He most recently was the head men's and women's cross country coach at
New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire. While there, he created
the New Hampshire State Meet for Small Colleges and the Pilgrim Pride
Open. In addition, he developed a home cross country course with state
recreation grant. Nott says that as a coach he has developed long-term
relationships with runners that extended beyond the track.
"He's a fascinating person in the North Park tradition," Surridge notes,
"a real renaissance man with a broad background." That background
includes directing and singing in church choirs, teaching music in
elementary schools and singing as a featured musician in the New England
area. He also has taught a college-level leadership class. Nott also has
been active in other ministries, which includes creating the Agape CafŽ
in Concord, New Hampshire, so that local Christians can share their
creative talents.
"I'm excited and honored to work at North Park University," Nott says.
"I'm looking forward to working with faculty, staff and students as we
move forward in improving these teams. I enjoy working at small liberal
arts schools where the students are well rounded. The athletes are
focused on their sport, but also explore their other interests. I
appreciate how North Park students get involved with the campus and the
surrounding community."
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
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