Rick Witt
Head Cross Country/Track and Field Coach
Phone: 715-346-3677
Email:
rwitt@uwsp.edu
Rick Witt, the 1996 NCAA Division III National Cross Country Coach of the Year, is the man responsible for the success of the UW-Stevens Point men’s cross country and track and field programs for the last 31 years.
Set to enter his 32nd season in 2009-10 as the head coach, Witt will guide both the men’s and women’s cross country programs as well as the men’s and women’s track & field program.
Last season Witt led the men’s cross country team to a WIAC title and a fourth place finish at the NCAA championships. The track & field programs continued that success as the men’s outdoor team finished second at the WIAC championships.
Witt earned both his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Physical Education from the University of Northern Iowa. As an undergraduate, he was a four-time NCAA national qualifier.
Success at both the team and individual level in conference, regional and national competition has become commonplace under Witt. In the spring of 2002, UW-Stevens Point continued its success at the national level with a fourth place finish at the NCAA Outdoor Championships and an 18th place finish at the NCAA Indoor Nationals. UW-Stevens Point also posted fourth and sixth place finishes at the 2001 NCAA Championships.
The Pointers' cross country team has enjoyed similar success and has posted numerous high national finishes, including an all-time best second place performance in 2003. The success of both the track and field and cross country programs has elevated UW-Stevens Point's program to its present status as one of the elite in the nation.
Individually, the Pointers have produced over 20 NCAA National Champions, in both track and field and cross country, along with over 170 All-Americans.
Witt has twice served as a coach on the international level, having led a USA cross country team to an international meet in New Zealand, and a USA track & field team to international competition in Europe.
In addition to his National Coach of the Year Award, Witt has also been named Conference Coach of the Year 13 times and NCAA Regional Coach of the Year seven times.
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