FROSTBURG — The Frostburg State athletic department has announced Marianne Hutchens as the next head coach of the men’s and women’s cross country programs.
Hutchens becomes the first female head coach for the program, bringing over 15 years of coaching experience to FSU.
She most recently served as the director and head coach at the Allegany Youth Track and Field Club in Frostburg.
Hutchens also spent time as a volunteer assistant coach for the Bobcat men’s and women’s track and field teams.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to step into the role of head cross country coach at Frostburg State University,” Hutchens said. “I want to express my sincere thanks to Director of Athletics Troy Dell, Associate Athletic Director Eric Seifarth and the entire hiring committee for trusting me with this opportunity.”
Hutchens’ coaching career started in 2003 at James Madison University, where she was an assistant men’s and women’s track and field coach and an assistant director of compliance.
In her stint, she helped coach one Division I NCAA regional qualifier, while also leading multiple athletes to new school records.
In 2007, she moved on to become the assistant track and field coach, head women’s strength and conditioning coach and a compliance assistant at the Colorado School of Mines.
She helped lead two top 15 teams to the Division II NCAA championships. She coached six national qualifiers, including an RMAC champion and DII All-American in the 60m, while helping several other athletes reach new program records as well.
Hutchens received her bachelor’s degree in exercise psychology from Purdue University, where she was a member of the Big Ten indoor and outdoor track & field championship teams.
She then went on to earn her master’s in athletic administration from JMU.
“It’s a privilege to join the Bobcat athletic family and lead a program with a strong foundation and so much potential,” Hutchens said. “I look forward to developing our cross country teams, with a focus on both athletic and academic success. I am committed to building a tradition of excellence that extends beyond the finish line and into every aspect of the student-athletes’ experience.”