Less than a month before the season is scheduled to begin, Elon University men's and women's cross country coach Christine Engel has resigned.
Engel, who has spent the last six years at Elon, will be the new head women's cross country coach at Duke University. She was also an assistant track and field coach at Elon.
“I want to thank all the current student-athletes and alumni I have had the privilege of coaching during my time at Elon,” Engel said in a press release. “I am grateful to Elon for the opportunity to work for such a great university under the leadership of Dave Blank and President Leo Lambert.”
Elon announced the resignation Wednesday, but had posted a job opening on its website last Friday, Aug. 1.
Under Engel, Elon has had four individual conference champions, two NCAA preliminary qualifiers and 75 all-league selections combined in cross country and track and field. Last year, Engel lead the women's team to a second-place finish at the Southern Conference Championship.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Christine to the Duke family,” said Duke Deputy Director of Athletics, Administration, Legal Affairs and Chief of Staff Nina King in a press release. “Given her background and experience, her passion and knowledge for the sport, as well as her commitment to the total student-athlete, Christine is an excellent addition to the program and will certainly enjoy great success here at Duke.”
Elon director of athletics Dave Blank said a national search for Engel's replacement will begin immediately. Elon brought on Wil Zahorodny as a volunteer assistant last month.Elon's season schedule has not officially been released yet.