From University of Rochester Athletics
The distance running programs at the University of Rochester will have a new shape and new leadership due to a reorganization of cross country and track and field.
Barbara Hartwig, longtime women's cross country coach and a distance coach for track and field, has been named the Assistant Director of Track and Field and Cross Country at Rochester. She will retain coaching responsibilities in track and field in addition to her expanded administrative duties. Men's cross country and distance coach John Izzo retired in late May. The University will appoint a new cross country/distance coach this summer to handle both men's and women's programs.
The re-alignment changes were announced by George VanderZwaag, the University's Executive Director of Athletics.
"Our goal has been a fully-combined cross country and track program with coaching support aligned with event specialties," said VanderZwaag. "Under the leadership of Sam Albert, and with the support of our entire staff, we are now realizing our ambition."
Hartwig just completed her 26th year as a coach at Rochester. When the track and field programs were reorganized after 2009 season, she became a coach of the distance running events and the high jump in addition to coaching the women's cross country team. She also served as head coach of the women's track & field program from 1989-2009, and the Yellowjackets won two UAA indoor titles (1990, 1991) and a NYSCTC indoor crown (2008) under her guidance. She is a former Division III President of the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association and was a member of the NCAA Division III Track and Field Committee.
"Barb has been an important member of our staff and will be playing a critical role as we move forward," VanderZwaag commented. "Her experience and knowledge will continue to strengthen our programs as she takes on this new leadership challenge."
Rochester's track & field teams enjoyed strong seasons in 2014-15. The women finished third at the indoor NYSCTC Championships and third at the indoor Eastern College Athletic Conference championships (the highest finish in school history). The men won the NYSCTC indoor and outdoor titles.