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Athletics Recreation
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ST.
JOE'S CROSS COUNTRY COACH PROFILE
Tom Dann enters his 10th consecutive year as head coach of the Saint Joseph's cross country program, but 2007 will actually be his 12th as a Monk. He originally served a two-year stint as head coach from 1992-94, helping to lay the groundwork for his future success. He is looking to this season to be a pivotal one in the continued development of a one-time New England power. Under his guidance, the Monks fielded the first full women's cross country team at Saint Joseph's for the 1993 season. While the women's program has recently had small teams, the potential for growth and progress appears very strong. The men's program has shown steady improvement in both roster size and quality of performance. Prior to taking over the reigns at Saint Joseph's, Dann served two separate stints as head coach of the track and field program at Kennebunk (Me.) High. During his tenure, he coached six different athletes who totaled 18 individual state championships in such events as the 800 and 1,000 meters, as well as the shot put, hurdles, triple jump, and high jump. Dann graduated from Wittenberg University with a bachelor's degree in Geology in 1979. He was a member of the Tiger's successful cross country and track & field squads from 1975-79. Dann played a major role in his team's success as a distance runner, establishing a school record in the 10,000 meters and was a three-time captain Following graduation, Dann worked for one season as an assistant coach at Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado, helping direct that team to a state championship. Dann then returned to his native Oberlin, Ohio to begin a three-year stint as an assistant cross country and track & field coach at Oberlin College from 1983-85. As an assistant with the Yeomen, Dann contributed to the building of a rather strong cross country program. In 1984, he helped direct the women's team to a North Coast Athletic Conference title and an impressive finish at the Great Lakes Regional Championships. In 1985, Dann continued coaching in the college ranks, where he served as a graduate assistant at Division I Cleveland State University while earning his master's degree in Exercise Physiology and Sports Psychology. From there, Dann went on to become the head coach of cross country at Oberlin High School, his alma mater from 1986-88, where he revived the program following an 11-year hiatus. He also was an assistant coach for the successful track & field program. Dann has an extensive background in distance competition. Between 1991-92, he won 15 races across the state of Maine, including the Deering Oaks 5000 meters and the Portland Half Marathon. In 1991, the Maine Track Club honored him as the Runner of the Year. He continues to successfully compete, now in the master's division of road and track racing. Dann currently resides in Hiram with his wife Terry and their three daughters,
Anissa, Michaela, and Sierra.
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