LHU HOME

	June 24, 2002 LHU Elevates Russell To Head Cross Country Coach

	(Lock Haven, Pa.) - The Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania Department of Athletics has announced the elevation of Aaron Russell (Lock Haven University, ’96) to the head coaching position of the University’s men’s and women’s cross country programs. Russell has served as the assistant coach for men’s and women’s cross country and track and field over the last four years. In addition to his new duties, he will retain his role as assistant coach for the LHU track and field programs. Russell replaces veteran head coach Mark Elliston, who guided The Haven’s cross country program over the past 11 seasons. Elliston will continue with the cross country teams as an assistant while remaining at the helm of the Lock Haven track and field programs. “Aaron Russell has shown great enthusiasm along with a relentless work ethic throughout his tenure as an assistant coach with the cross country program,” said University President Craig Dean Willis. “I have tremendous respect for Mark Elliston and the impact he has had on the program throughout the years, and am excited and proud for Aaron to start in this new capacity.”	Coach Russell
	“President Willis’ approval of this recommendation reflects the excellent job Aaron has done in his four years as an assistant here at Lock Haven University,” said Sharon E. Taylor, Director of Athletics. “He is well respected across the conference and has been Mark Elliston’s right hand in many respects. He does a great job motivating the student-athletes.” A 1996 Lock Haven University graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Russell was a two-year captain of the Bald Eagle track and field team and was a multiple Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Scholar-Athlete and Eastern College Athletic Conference championships qualifier. Over the past four seasons as an assistant cross country coach at LHU, he has helped guide 10 runners to All-PSAC status, including seven All-Region harriers, two All-Americans, and three PSAC Rookie of the Year runners. Russell is currently serving as the National Members Director and Treasurer of the Division II National Track and Field Coaches Association and is also the East Region Cross Country representative to the coaches’ association. Prior to returning to his alma mater, Russell obtained his Master’s Degree in Sports Administration from Eastern Kentucky University in 1998 while serving as an assistant with the cross country and track and field programs. There, he helped coach three cross country teams to Ohio Valley Conference titles, seven OVC Athletes of the Year, three All-Americans and numerous GTE Academic All-Americans. “It’s humbling the confidence that Coach Elliston, the Department of Athletics, and the University administration had in me to give me this opportunity,” said Russell. “I know over the last few years as a staff, we’ve worked hard to bring our cross country teams into the upper tier of the conference. I hope we’ll be able to continue to remain among the annual contenders.” “It’s a very exciting time for Lock Haven cross country,” said Coach Elliston. “Aaron’s familiar with the region, the program, and relates well to the runners after being both an athlete and a coach here. I know he will do a great job. For me, I think the timing is right, and it’s a move that will benefit everyone involved.”
	###LHU###