Cross Country/Track Associate Head Coach Sara Vergote Resigns

TOLEDO, OH - Toledo Cross Country and Track Associate Head Coach Sara Vergote resigned from her position on Wednesday to accept an assistant coaching job at Iowa State. 

"It has been an honor to work for my alma mater and be part of the building process that has elevated the women's program to national recognition," Vergote said. "I'm incredibly grateful to the university, the athletic department, Coach Hadsell and the athletes I've coached."

Vergote stepped down in her fifth year after helping Head Coach Kevin Hadsell guide Toledo to national prominence, both as a runner and coach. She was a member of three nationally-ranked UT cross country teams from 2000-2002, qualifying twice for the NCAA championships and winning the Mid-American Conference 10k Championship in 2003.

Since she joined the UT coaching staff in 2008, the No. 18 women's cross country team has soared to new program heights. They are the two-time defending conference champion and have made back-to-back appearances at the NCAA championship - the most by a MAC program. They are slated as the preseason conference favorite again this year, while currently holding the highest national ranking for a MAC program ever.

"Sara has been a great friend and a lifelong Rocket," Hadsell said. "I've always been incredibly proud of her. Today is no exception."

Hadsell said a search for Vergote's replacement will begin soon.