UTICA, NY – Utica College Athletic Director
David Fontaine announced the promotion of
Sam Catterson to head coach of the cross country program on Wednesday. Catterson will lead the cross country program while also serving as the top assistant for the track & field teams.
"We're fortunate to have two excellent coaches in Sam and Jim who will continue leading the cross country and track & field programs to new heights," said Fontaine. "As assistant coaches they both played a major role in helping to develop this program from the ground up. The work they have done with our student-athletes is second to none and they are both truly deserving of this promotion."
Catterson takes over for Eric Parker who stepped down from the position earlier this Summer after four years as head coach and nine years total at Utica College.
Over the last five years, Catterson worked his way up to associate head cross country/track & field coach and was the top assistant for the program alongside Jim Lemieux. Catterson has been a catalyst for developing UC's cross country program into an Empire 8 power. In 2018, he guided both the men's and women's programs to Empire 8 titles while earning the Conference's coaching staff of the year honors. Veteran standout Kaitlyn Stinson was named the Empire 8 Cross Country Runner of the Year and she became just the second student-athlete in program history to qualify for the NCAA Division III Championships. UC's women's cross country program has now won two consecutive E8 titles.
"I want to the thank Dave Fontaine for the opportunity to lead this program," said Catterson. "It has been amazing to be a part of the success of this team over the past five years, and our goal is to continue to raise the bar for our team."
Prior to coaching in Utica, he spent eight years coaching in Boulder, Colorado. During this time, Catterson served as a coach and competitor with Above the Track Club, one of the best pole vault clubs in the nation.
He also spent two years (2012-2013) as the cross country head coach and pole vault, throws and hurdles coach for Niwot High School, and led the girl's team to a state championship in 2013.
Coach Catterson started his coaching career at his alma mater of Ithaca College upon graduation in 2005, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History. During the 2005-06 season, Catterson served as the pole vault and multi-event coach for Ithaca.
A four-year member of the Ithaca track team, Catterson competed as a pole vaulter, decathlete and javelin thrower. He was awarded the Larry Czarnecki award at the culmination of his career, which recognized his outstanding contributions to the program during his time there as a student-athlete.