North Park Names New Track, Cross Country Coaches

The new coaches are Tracey Murnane, who will lead the women's teams, and Elliott Marshall Nott, who will coach the men's teams. "I think we have two very talented young coaches who have the capability of being exceptional coaches," says Jack Surridge, the university's athletic director.

As a member of the Benedictine women's track and field team from 2000 to 2002, Murnane is the holder of seven school records, was a two-time team captain, is a recipient of the Most Valuable Runner and was twice a NCAA Division III national qualifier. She was twice named the cross country Female Athlete of the Year in the Northern Illinois and Iowa Conference, as well as receiving All American honors. She later transferred to Lewis University, where she was a Great Lakes Valley Conference Champion, GLVC Academic All-Conference, and a Division II national qualifier.

"I'm very excited to be here," Murnane says. "This is like a dream come true. It is an opportunity of a lifetime." Murnane says she is attracted to coaching at North Park University because of its commitment to integrating academics, athletics and faith.

Nott also brings a history of athletic success as well as administration experience. A graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois, Nott was a four-time Most Valuable Player for the school and also was named CCIW All Conference as many times in cross country. In addition to many college track and field honors, Nott was the 1993 Illinois State champion in the 1600 meters.

He most recently was the head men's and women's cross country coach at New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire. While there, he created the New Hampshire State Meet for Small Colleges and the Pilgrim Pride Open. In addition, he developed a home cross country course with state recreation grant. Nott says that as a coach he has developed long-term relationships with runners that extended beyond the track.

"He's a fascinating person in the North Park tradition," Surridge notes, "a real renaissance man with a broad background." That background includes directing and singing in church choirs, teaching music in elementary schools and singing as a featured musician in the New England area. He also has taught a college-level leadership class. Nott also has been active in other ministries, which includes creating the Agape CafŽ in Concord, New Hampshire, so that local Christians can share their creative talents.

"I'm excited and honored to work at North Park University," Nott says. "I'm looking forward to working with faculty, staff and students as we move forward in improving these teams. I enjoy working at small liberal arts schools where the students are well rounded. The athletes are focused on their sport, but also explore their other interests. I appreciate how North Park students get involved with the campus and the surrounding community."

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