June 27, 2007

EVANSTON, Ill.-- Gavin Kennedy, assistant cross country coach at DePaul University the past two years, has been named assistant coach for Northwestern's women's cross country program.

At DePaul, Kennedy assisted with both the men's and women's cross country teams in coaching the distance athletes from 800 to 10,000 meters and coordinated travel arrangements. Before coaching the team, Kennedy participated in professional track and field events in the United States and he ranked in the top five in the indoor mile in 2004 and 2005, and also ranked 11th for the outdoor 1,500 meters in 2005 in Ireland.

While at Northwestern, Kennedy will be assisting with all aspects of the women's cross country team, including coaching the long distance runners, recruiting and coordinating travel.

"What's great about Gavin is that he brings international experience and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to running," said Coach April Likhite. "His passion for not only running, but coaching will help our program immensely."

During his time as an undergrad at DePaul, Kennedy served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and on the DePaul University Captains' Council. Kennedy broke the two oldest records in DePaul history in the events of indoor mile and outdoor 1,500 meters. For his efforts, Kennedy was named MVP of the men's indoor track team in both 2004 and 2005 and was named to the all-conference team in all four of his years on the team.

"I am truly honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of this women's cross country team and the Northwestern Family. This is an outstanding University with an outstanding tradition of academics and athletics," said Kennedy. "I am excited to join April Likhite's staff and help in her vision to take Northwestern's women back to the top of the Big Ten conference and stake a claim on national recognition."