La Crosse, WI - Viterbo University athletics director, Barry Fried announced today that John Metelko has been hired as the Men’s and Women’s Head Cross Country Coach.

“We’re very fortunate to get someone with John’s knowledge and experience,” commented Fried. “Whenever you start a new program, it’s important you find a quality person and quality coach. John epitomizes both and will do a great job for us.”

Metelko is currently finishing his master’s degree from Northern Illinois University while serving as a volunteer assistant coach at NCAA Division I, University of Evansville. Metelko completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Evansville in 2005 where he ran cross county for four seasons.

“I am very excited to be coaching the first men’s and women’s cross country teams at Viterbo University, stated Coach Metelko. “Our first teams have the opportunity to set the standard for excellence high in our program and that’s a motivating prospect for our student-athletes and me. I can’t wait for our first competition.”

As a runner, Metelko owns three of Evansville’s Top 25 times in the 10-K event, while also owning a career-best 8-K mark of 26:02. He was awarded the 110% Effort Award as a freshmen, selected as the Most Improved Runner as a junior, and chosen to be team captain as a senior. After graduation, Metelko served as an assistant coach for the Purple Aces from 2005-06 while also serving as an Admissions Counselor at the school. He also earned is USA Track and Field Level 1 certification. He then enrolled at Northern Illinois University in July of 2006 for graduate school.

“One of the reason’s I’m excited about coaching at Viterbo is that I believe student-athletes who continue their education at Viterbo University have the opportunity to learn from dynamic educational experiences and receive individual attention in a values-based environment,” commented Coach Metelko. “These lessons have the power to help student-athletes grow academically, physically, and spiritually.”

Metelko will begin his responsibilities immediately and will focus on recruiting runners, scheduling meets, and overall program development. However, he and his wife, Beth, will not relocate to La Crosse until he finishes his master’s degree in May. The men’s and women’s team will start competition in August of 2008.

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Editor’s note: John Metelko is available for additional comments by phone (608) 630-2283 or by email jpmetelko@viterbo.edu.