Aug. 24, 2007
IOWA CITY, IA –
Layne Anderson has been named Interim Head Women’s Track and Field Coach at the University of Iowa. The announcement was made by UI Director of Athletics, Gary Barta.
Anderson, in his fifth season as Iowa’s head women’s cross country coach, served as an assistant track coach for the past four years. He takes over the position left vacant following the death of former Head Coach James Grant.
“Layne Anderson has done a tremendous job throughout his career and certainly during his time at Iowa,” said Director of Athletics Gary Barta. “I have great confidence in Layne and Assistant Coach Victor Houston continuing the legacy that Coach Grant created over so many years.”
The cross country team has had success on the course and in the class room under Anderson. Last season the Hawkeyes advanced to the NCAA championships as a team for the first time in 14 years and posted their highest finish at the Big Ten Championships (sixth) since 1993. Each of the last four years, the team has improved its finish at Big Ten and regional meets, and set school records in the 3,000, 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000 meters. The team also earned academic all-America honors from the Women’s Intercollegiate Cross Country Coaches Association all four seasons, and recognized 18 individual academic all-Big Ten honorees.
“This has been a difficult time for Iowa Athletics with the passing of Coach Grant this summer,” said Anderson. “He provided great leadership for our track and cross country programs and student-athletes over the past 21 years. I am humbled at this time to be named the interim head coach and look forward to working with our administration as we plan for our future.”
Anderson has also had success with the middle distance and distance corps in the last four years. During that time the Hawkeyes have crowned three all-Americans, posted 19 national qualifiers and 13 regional qualifiers. Iowa was one of four schools in the nation to have NCAA indoor qualifying marks in the 800 meters, mile, 3,000 meters, 5,000 meters and distance medley relay in 2004.
Anderson holds two degrees from The Citadel. He earned a bachelor’s (1989) and masters of education (1991), both in health and physical education. His wife’s name is Alexis.
A national search to fill the position will be conducted this fall.
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