IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa director of athletics Gary Barta announced today that Layne Anderson has resigned from the UI track and field and cross country program, effective Aug. 5.
Anderson, who joined the UI track and field and cross country coaching staff in 2003, is leaving to become assistant track and field/cross country coach at the University of Tennessee.
“I would like to thank Gary Barta, Paula Jantz, and Joey Woody for the opportunity to be an Iowa Hawkeye the past 13 years,” Anderson said. “I depart for a new chapter in my professional life and leave with wonderful memories and lifelong friends. I look forward to following Hawkeye athletics for years to come and wish much continued success to my Hawkeye family.”
“Layne has touched hundreds, if not thousands, of student-athletes lives during his time at Iowa,” Barta said. “We are grateful for his dedication and passion as a Hawkeye the past 13 years, and wish him well on his next journey with Tennessee.”
Anderson has led the women’s cross country program since 2003, and served as head coach of both the women and men since 2014. He was head coach of the women’s track and field program from 2008-11, and from 2012-14 served as head coach of the combined program.
During Anderson’s tenure with the women’s cross country team, Iowa crowned six All-Americans, three NCAA Midwest Regional champions, one Big Ten champion and 17 all-region honorees. From 2006-08, the team qualified for the NCAA Championships after a 14-year absence from the meet. The Hawkeyes have also set school records in the 3,000, 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000 meters.
Under Anderson’s direction, 125 Hawkeyes earned Academic All-Big Ten honors, and the team was named a USTFCCCA All-Academic team 13 times.
A search for Anderson’s replacement will begin immediately.
