CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte today announced that Scott Simmons, head coach of the cross country/track & field programs, will leave the university Jan. 27.

 “After over 20 years of collegiate coaching, I am motivated to continue my development as a coach at a higher level,” Simmons said. “I thank Queens for this opportunity, and I know the Royals will continue their success under new leadership.” 

Simmons will be focusing his attention on coaching the American Distance Project in Colorado Springs, Colo., establishing the group as a permanent post-collegiate site after seeing success in the summer and fall of 2011 that included nine U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifiers and three U.S. National team berths.

The Royals' cross country/track & field programs improved dramatically during Simmons' tenure at Queens.  Under Simmons' leadership, the university earned its first six individual national championships, seven conference championships, seven NCAA regional championships, 25 conference individual champions and 26 All-American honors.  Simmons was also awarded nine NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Coach of the Year awards.  

“We thank Scott for his vision and dedication to Queens and our student-athletes.  His leadership and expertise has enabled the Royals' program to compete at the very highest levels,” said Jeannie King, athletic director at Queens.

The university will conduct a national search commencing immediately to identify and select a new head coach to lead the Men's & Women's Cross Country/Track & Field program.

Daniel Kanyaruhuru and Ciara Delgado will serve as co-coaches for the men's and women's cross country/track & field programs for the remainder of the 2012 academic year.