Kentucky finds new track and field/cross country head coach

Kentucky has named Lonnie Green, former Purdue head coach, as its new track and field and cross country head coach, athletics director Mitch Barnhart announced Tuesday.

“Lonnie is a quality person who shares our commitment to fostering growth and continuing to build our track and field and cross country programs in all facets,” Barnhart said in a press release. “I had the pleasure of watching him and his team in person last month at nationals and was so impressed by the energy and unity of his team. Getting a chance to spend time with him during the interview process only solidified the impression he made.”

Greene will take over UK’s running programs after a successful stint at Purdue, which ended with his women’s team taking home eighth place at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships last month.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity as head coach at Kentucky,” Greene said in a press release. “Before I go any further I want to thank everyone I worked with at Purdue. They gave me a chance and I’ll always be so grateful to have worked with them. Thank you to Mitch Barnhart and Jason Schlafer for their leadership and for trusting me to take on this role at UK. I look forward to hitting the ground running building winning teams in the classroom and on the track. I can’t wait to start leading this great program. Go Big Blue!”

Greene coached 21 different First-Team All-Americans while in control of Purdue’s running programs. Those 21 athletes produced 60 First-Team All-American honors.

Greene also spent time in the SEC prior to his head coaching job at Purdue. He was the associate head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, and helped coach them to five NCAA event titles, 96 All-American honors and 16 SEC event championships. Greene has also mentored eight Olympians.