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Ignacio Alonso tabbed as Co-Head Coach of Berkeley College's men's and women's cross country programs

Ignacio Alonso tabbed as Co-Head Coach of Berkeley College's men's and women's cross country programs
Posted: Aug 30, 2017

On Wednesday morning, Berkeley College Director of Athletics Andy DeStephano announced the appointment of Ignacio Alonso to the position of Co-Head Men's and Women's Cross Country. Alonso brings over six years of professional running and coaching experience with him to the institution, and will shoot to play a pivotal role in taking the cross country programs to greater heights.

"Running has been a key part of Ignacio's life since 2011 – and while that is clearly evident by looking at his resume – it was his passion for the sport that really shined through when I had the opportunity to speak with him about the position," DeStephano said. "He is well-versed in many aspects of what it takes for a runner to be successful, and we feel that he can use his knowledge and approach to develop our student-athletes and make them not only better athletes, but also well-rounded individuals. We are excited to have him aboard."

Alonso has competed in eight full marathons, including the Boston Marathon four times (2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017). The Boston Marathon is considered one of the most challenging races to qualify for, because hopefuls are required to compete in an earlier full marathon and must finish it in an acceptable amount of time in order to be able to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Other full marathons Alonso competed in include the New York City Marathon in 2011, the Chicago Marathon in 2012 and 2015, and the Berlin Marathon in 2016.

In addition to competing in eight full marathons, Alonso has also completed 10 half-marathons (New York City in 2014, 2016, and 2017, Manhattan in 2013, 2015, and 2017, and Brooklyn in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017). He is also a certified USATF Level 1 Track  and Field Coach. Now at Berkeley College, Ignacio is eager to make a difference.

"It is an honor to be named as one of the Co-Head Coaches at Berkeley College," Alonso said. "In collaboration with Michael Lincoln, I am looking forward to bringing stability, dedication, and success to our men's and women's programs. The message I would like to relay to our student-athletes is to make each day the best possible day."

The Berkeley College men's and women's cross country teams are set to begin their 2017 seasons on Sunday, September 17 at the Queensborough College Invitational.