URBANA, Ohio - Urbana University Athletic Director Doug Young announced today that Kevin Horne will take over the Blue Knight men's and women's cross country teams. The new head coach inherits a young program entering its fifth season of NCAA Division II competition.
"Kevin really impressed us with his knowledge and experience building a successful cross country program," explained Young. "The teams are ready to make the leap competitively in Division II, and we strongly believe Kevin is the right coach to lead this program to new heights."
Horne comes to Urbana University from London City Schools where he served as the head varsity cross country and track coach for the past eight seasons. Horne also taught Health and Physical Education at London. Over his eight-year reign, Horne turned the Red Raider runners into a formidable program. The girls' cross country team won 5 straight conference championships from 2006-2010. The boys' captured 4 of 5 conference crowns over that same stretch. Individually, Horne coached numerous all-conference, all district and all-regional performers. Two of his runners qualified for the state championships, including one who earned All-Ohio honors for a 7th place finish in 2010.
Under Horne, the London boys' track team won a pair of conference titles. Horne also coached a back-to-back state champion in the 300 hurdles.
Prior to his time at London, Horne also coached track at Cuyahoga Falls City Schools from 2001-03. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education from the University of Akron in 2001, and later added a health education endorsement from Capital University in 2009 and a master's degree in athletic administration and coaching from Concordia University in 2010.
"I would like to thank Mr. Young and the rest of the Athletic Department for providing me with this opportunity," announced Horne upon his hiring. "I am extremely excited to be a part of the Urbana University family. I look forward to working with the current and future Urbana cross country student-athletes, and I'm very anxious to help this program grow."