MEADVILLE, Pa. – Allegheny College is elevating Ben Mourer '07 to the role of head coach of the Gators' track & field programs, in addition to his duties as the head coach of the cross country teams, effective immediately.

Mourer replaces Justin Linzy, who resigned to pursue another avenue within the realm of collegiate athletics, atop the track & field programs.

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the entire cross country and track & field program at my alma mater," said Mourer. "When I returned to Allegheny seven years ago, I openly spoke about my goals of continuing our success in cross country while working to build the track & field team into a championship caliber program."

During his tenure as the head cross country coach, which began in December 2015, Mourer's teams have amassed a plethora of honors. This includes five All-America, 24 All-Region and 45 All-NCAC accolades. The Gators have captured three North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) team titles on the women's side and one on the men's side as Mourer earned NCAC Coach of the Year honors for each of the championship performances. In addition, two females and one male earned NCAC Runner of the Year titles and two males and one female earned NCAC Newcomer of the Year titles. Five of his teams finished in the top-five at the Great Lakes Regional, including three runner-up finishes, to propel the teams to a total of six team and three individual appearances at the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships. Under Mourer's tutelage, the Gator distance squad has has success on the track, including an individual national championship won by Emily Forner at the 2019 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships in the 3,000 meters.

"I am elated that Ben has accepted our offer to assume the role of head coach of our men's and women's cross country and track & field programs," said Bill Ross, director of athletics and recreation. "Ben Mourer is one of the most organized and highly motivated coaches in our department and we expect the success he has had within the cross country program to continue to influence the entirety of our track & field offerings."