FLORENCE, Ala. (August 7, 2024) – University of North Alabama Director of Athletics Dr. Josh Looney announced a new leader for the UNA men's and women's cross country program Wednesday, naming Connor Callahan as head coach.
Callahan joins UNA from Ohio Dominican, where he coached for six seasons. While leading both the cross country and track & field programs, Callahan helped develop the program's first-ever indoor national qualifier for track & field and helped the Panthers break 30 school records.
"Our goal was to find an ascending, forward-thinking leader to help our cross country programs reach their full potential," said Looney. "Coach Callahan has the right approach, vision and experience to grow our distance programs in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Our student-athletes and running community will be drawn to his passion for the sport and the positive energy he will pour into the program. We are thrilled to welcome Connor and his wife, Allison, to the Shoals!"
Prior to becoming head coach at Ohio Dominican, Callahan spent three seasons as an assistant at Saint Leo University in Florida. He helped the Lions win three conference championships and two South Regional titles. He started as a graduate assistant before being promoted to a full-time role in 2016.
"Coach Callahan's passion for the sport, commitment to promoting a strong team dynamic, and supporting his student-athletes' academic success make him the perfect fit for our program," said Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Success Sherry Kennemer, who served as head coach of the program for four years and currently serves as the sport administrator. "We are confident that under Connor's leadership, our student-athletes will succeed academically, engage actively in the community and perform well in competition."
While at Saint Leo, Callahan coached 18 all-conference runners and nine all-region runners. He also coached 26 Sunshine State Conference Runner of the Week honorees and a number of postseason superlative winners.
"I want to thank Dr. Looney and the search committee for trusting in me to lead UNA Cross Country," said Callahan. "I'm excited to get down to campus and get to work."
A Columbus, Ohio native, Callahan obtained his bachelor of science degree in sport management from Ohio Dominican in May 2015. He later earned his master's in business administration with a focus in sport business in 2017. Callahan is USATF and USTFCCCA certified.
The Lions begin the 2024 season with the City Auto Memphis Twilight on Saturday, August 31 hosted at Mike Rose Soccer Complex.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
