- Posted in All University
- Category: Athletics
Lincoln University, Pa. - Lincoln University Director of Athletics Harry Stinson III is pleased to announce the hiring of Roland Whiting as Lincoln's Director of Track and Field/Cross Country Operations and Head Men's and Women's Track and Field Coach.
"It is a tremendous honor to bring one of Lincoln's own back to lead the programs," said Stinson. "Coach Whiting has excelled in every aspect of his career and as we look to get our track program back to the pinnacle I could think of no better person to lead the charge. His understanding of Lincoln history, his championship pedigree and his leadership stood out to me and I look forward to seeing him blossom in this new role at his alma mater!"
Whiting, a class of 2000 graduate from Lincoln returns to his alma mater to become the Lions fifth head track and field coach since 1974. The Lions have also won a total of 16 NCAA Division III Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field national championships (12 men's and four women's) from 1985-2000.
"I am humbled, honored, and excited about the opportunity to return to Lincoln University as the Head of the Track & Field and Cross Country programs, said Whiting. "The opportunity to contribute and build upon Lincoln's existing track legacy fulfills a goal that I have held since my time at Lincoln as an athlete and alumni. I would like to thank Harry Stinson, Athletic Director, and the members of the search committee for selecting me to join the athletic department's team of coaches and administrators. I must extend additional thanks to Mr. Stinson for allowing me to join his team as he works to fulfill his vision of excellence in leading Lincoln University's athletic program to greatness."
"I look forward to leading a culture of excellence among the current and future student athletes of the track & field and cross country program."
Whiting takes over from Wilson Bailey '13 who served as the interim head track and field and cross country coach this past season. Bailey will remain at Lincoln as the Lions' Head Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach.
"I would like to thank Coach Wilson Bailey for his service during the interim period," adds Stinson. "He did an excellent job working with our teams and I'm proud to elevate his position as well."
Before embarking on his successful coaching career, Whiting was a member of five Division III national championship teams at Lincoln, earning All-America honors 12 times. He was part of Lincoln's 4 x 100 meter relay NCAA Championship team in 2000 that still holds the school record of 40.19. That time was the NCAA championship meet record until 2016 and is still the third fastest time ever in NCAA Division III Track and field history.
"I would also be remiss to not extend thanks and gratitude to the coaches, athletes and alumni who have helped to build Lincoln's athletic legacy, especially in track and field," adds Whiting. "I would also like to thank Coach Cyrus Jones for his continued contributions to the Lincoln University community, Lincoln University athletic program, LU track & field and for his continued support professionally and personally to me as a coach and friend."
Whiting has served as the Head Track and Field Coach at Methodist University in North Carolina for the past seven seasons. During his time at Methodist, Whiting coached six NCAA Division III All-Americans and had over 30 United States Track and field & Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) all South/Southeast region honorees. Whiting also coached the cross country programs at Methodist during his first three seasons before focusing solely on the monarch's track and field program.
Prior to coaching at Methodist, Whiting spent four seasons as the head coach of Neumann University's men's and women's cross country programs, building the program from the ground up when it was reinstated in 2008 following a seven-year hiatus. After his first season, the Knights added track and field where in their short history produced six All-ECAC performers and 18 all-conference performers.
Whiting served as an assistant coach at Lincoln in 2007 when the Lions won the NCAA Division III indoor national championship. He helped train several all-American athletes at Lincoln including 2007 NCAA Woman of the Year finalist Ashley Parker.
Prior to returning to Lincoln in 2007 Whiting was an assistant Track and Field Coach and Widener University and also coached at Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia.
Whiting earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education and Recreation.