Experienced Warhurst to lead men's track

For the last quarter century, Ron Warhurst has become synonymous with Michigan athletics. In addition to being Michigan's first and only men's cross country coach, he has served as Jack Harvey's top assistant in track and field.

Earlier this month, Warhurst's legacy grew as he was chosen to succeed Jack Harvey as the head track and field coach. The responsibility of coaching both teams may seem overwhelming, but Ron Warhurst has never been one to hide from a challenge.

After an illustrious career as a runner at Western Michigan, Warhurst was hired as an assistant at Eastern Michigan. But soon after, he was called to serve his country as a soldier in Vietnam. Even the war could not stand between Warhurst and his true love.

While serving his tour of duty, he corresponded with his athletes back home.

"Ron would always write to us to keep up with our training and make suggestions," said Michigan assistant Fred Laplante (then a runner at Eastern Michigan).

Upon returning, Warhurst moved to Ann Arbor, a decision that would change his life. His reputation quickly grew as a running guru. Local runners would often seek advice from this pillar of knowledge.

Eventually, Warhurst caught the eye of Michigan athletic director Don Canham, who hired him as head cross country coach. His arrival at the University reunited him with old friend Jack Harvey, recently hired as track and field coach. Harvey wasted little time in convincing Warhurst to double as his assistant.

"He has a great overall knowledge in all the events," Harvey said. "The guy knows track and field in and out."

For the last 25 years, Warhurst has been instrumental in putting Michigan track on the map and in the process has turned himself into one of the premier distance-running coaches in the nation.

During his long tenure, he has coached Olympic medalists, and a Boston Marathon winner. In recent years he has molded the likes of Kevin Sullivan, John Mortimer, and Jay Cantin into All-Americans.

"He's definitely one of the best coaches in North America," Cantin said. "He helps us a lot with our race strategies."

It is not just Warhurst's technical knowledge

04-20-99