Name: Brandon Spalding

Current Position: Head Men’s Cross Country Coach at Washington & Lee University

Past Positions: Assistant Men’s and Women’s XC/TF at Rhodes College

Head Men’s and Women’s XC Coach at Bethany College

Education: B.S Health and Exercise Science – Bridgewater College ‘09

M.A. Coaching & Athletic Administration – Concordia University Irvine ‘17

Athletic: A 2006 NCAA Division III Cross Country Individual Qualifier and First Team All-Conference and All-Region Selection (06, 07, 08). Finisher of the 2009 Marine Corp Marathon and 2011 Boston Marathon

1. How did you know you wanted to get into coaching?

I grew up with my mother being a college coach.  She was a big influence on me one day getting into coaching.  I also had a good relationship with my high school coach.  He truly made me fall in love with the sport and have a desire to get better.  Without his guidance, I never would have thought about running in college and making running a significant part of my life.

2. How did you get connected with your first coaching gig?

The steps towards earning my first coaching job at Bethany College happened almost a year before I actually ever got the job.  I met their track coach at the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Championships.  Passed along my resume.  Flash forward 8 months later, they had a job opening and he remember me from meeting the spring before.  Just like anything else, earning a coaching job is all about connections.  Always communicate with other coaches and leave a good impression.  You never know when an opportunity may present itself.

3. What was it like to be a Head Coach at an NCAA DIII program?

I believe coaching is coaching, regardless of the level when it comes to X’s and O’s.  All runners can continue to improve at any level.  What makes coaching in Division III different are the resources and scholarships that other Divisions have.

4. What is one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring coaches?

Connections!  Talk to other coaches, even when you are an athlete.  Learn why they got into coaching, how they recruit and train.  Make sure they remember your name, you never know when that coach may have a position open or know someone who does.