Emory University cross country and track & field Assistant Coach Chris Marco has announced that he will be stepping down from his current position and will be accepting a position with Wittenberg University's coaching staff as Associate Head Coach within the Tigers' cross country and track & field program.
Marco joined the Eagles in October of 2018, overseeing mid-distance and distance events during his time at Emory. He played a role in building upon Emory's record book helping guide the Eagles to three All-American honors, 50 All-Region awards, and 10 All-UAA selections across both men's and women's cross country during his tenure. Among many other accomplishments, Marco helped lead the men's cross-country team to a first-place regional finish in three straight seasons from 2019-2022 as well as the men's first-ever University Athletic Association title in 2022.
While assisting with track and field, Marco helped lead the Eagles to three All-American honors in distance events, including Annika Urban's two national championships at the 2023 indoor and outdoor NCAA Division III National Championship s. He also helped lead the women's team to a 12th place finish nationally in 2023's indoor season, the highest since 2018.
"While we are sad to see Chris go, we're grateful for the time he's been here and the work he's done to help develop our program to the level it is now" said Head Coach Linh Nguyen. "He's worked hard to earn this opportunity and I am sure he will be extremely successful at Wittenberg. The Tigers are getting a fantastic coach and person and I look forward to seeing the success they will have in the future."
This will be Marco's third stop in his coaching career, getting his start with Monmouth University as a volunteer assistant coach starting during the 2018-19 school year. He played a major role in leading a pair of athletes to regional competition and one to All-America status in the indoor and outdoor 800m.
Marco experienced a successful career at the Division I level as a member of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He competed in the 800m finals at the ACC Indoor Championships and was a Second Team All-ACC selection in the Indoor Distance Medley as a senior in 2017. He went on to transfer to Monmouth University after graduating from Notre Dame to run while pursuing his MBA.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the last four years I've spent at Emory University. My time with the program, staff, and student athletes has allowed me a multitude of experiences that have prepared me to take the next step in leadership and responsibility" Marco stated. "I'm beyond excited to begin my new role of Associate Head Coach of Cross Country and Track and Field at Wittenberg University. I want to thank Coach Hilliard for entrusting me with the success and future of the program and I'm looking forward to elevating the Tigers to new heights."