MARIETTA, Ohio – Marietta College Director of Athletics Joe Bergin announced the hiring of Bill Cooper as the Pioneer's Head Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track & Field Coach Thursday (August 13) afternoon.
 
Cooper comes to Marietta after a stint at Ohio Athletic Conference rival Heidelberg University.  During his time with the Student Princes, his focus was on building a competitive indoor and outdoor track and field program which nearly doubled in roster size. Under his tutelage and training, Cooper coached many athletes that went on to achieve multiple men's and women's school records, a women's indoor 60-meter Conference Champion, and a second team All-American athlete.
 
"I am excited to have Bill join the staff," said Bergin. "He is a 27-year veteran of college coaching. He has rebuilt programs before and knows how to make that happen. I expect Bill to provide a good experience to the student athletes, be a mentor to his assistant coaches, and most importantly, get the Marietta College Cross Country and Track & Field programs moving back up the OAC standings."
 
Throughout his extensive coaching career, Cooper has held leadership positions at Sewanee: The University of the South (Tenn.), Randolph College (Va.), and Muskingum University, also directing the Men's and Women's Cross Country programs at each institution. At every stop, he successfully expanded roster sizes, mentored numerous athletes to personal and school records, led teams to postseason championships, and guided competitors to NCAA Division III national qualification. He also earned the 2015-2016 ODAC Indoor Men's Coach of the Year while at Randolph College.
 
"I'm excited to join Marietta and to help build the Cross Country and Track & Field program into something that the institution, community, and passionate alumni are excited about," said the newly hired coach. "I would like to thank Joe and President Dougherty for giving me this opportunity. Marietta College is a historic institution with programs that have achieved success at the highest levels, and I'm excited to work towards that same goal."
 
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Cooper enjoyed a highly distinguished collegiate athletic career. A 1996 Heidelberg College graduate, he excelled as a dual-sport athlete, serving as a four-year starter on the men's soccer team while simultaneously competing all four years on the track and field team. He earned Most Valuable Player honors in track during each of his four seasons. His standout event was the 400-meter dash, in which he claimed an OAC championship, qualified for the NCAA National Championship twice, and earned All-American distinction in 1996.
 
"I'm looking forward to working with Addison (Painter) and Pat (Wigal) as assistant coaches to build a student-centered program that focuses on individual improvement and overall team success," said Cooper. "I think that we have a staff that has seen success and understands what we can offer our student-athletes in order for them to experience success!"
 
Cooper's addition to the coaching staff comes at a great time as the Pioneers are set to host the 2027 OAC Outdoor Championships May 6-7 at Don Drumm Stadium.
 
"Having an opportunity to host the OAC Championships this year during the outdoor season is exciting for the student-athletes, parents, alumni, and fans," said Cooper. "It's been a while since we have had the opportunity to do so and I can't wait to showcase the team and our facilities."
 
Cooper and his wife, Christy Vanwinkle, have three children: Brittany, Alexis, and Kaleb
 
Fans can follow the Pioneers all season long at pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on X and Instagram.