ST. DAVIDS, Pa. – Eastern university Athletic Director Eric McNelley announced that Tom Kennedy has been selected to lead Eastern University's Cross Country programs. Coach Kennedy has served as an assistant coach in Eastern's Track and Field and Cross Country programs for the past two seasons.

"We are excited to offer Tom the opportunity to lead our Cross Country Program," McNelley said. "In his short time at Eastern, he has helped to recruit and develop a top-notch group of runners. We look forward to having him serve in our department in a full-time role. He has a tremendous resume of developing talent at the highest competitive levels and brings a wealth of local connections from his successful years of experience as a high school coach."

Before arriving at Eastern, Coach Kennedy developed the Track and Field and Cross Country programs at Cardinal O'Hara High School. There he had 42 athletes earn 103 high school All-America honors. His 2014 team won a National Championship in the Distance Medley Relay, and he coached a 2003 squad to a 4x 800 Meter Championship. His athletes won 24 State Championships

In Cross Country, his boys finished in the top three at the State Championships 11 times, and he coached the Cardinal O'Hara girls to a Cross Country State Championship in 2016. Kennedy was named Pennsylvania Girl's Cross Country Coach of the Year by the USTFCCCA and the PTFCA.

Kennedy will continue to work within Eastern's Track and Field Program as an assistant coach.