NEWTON, Mass. – Lasell University is looking for a new head men's and women's cross country and track and field coach after Wednesday's announcement that Michael McGrane has resigned to become the new head men's and women's cross country coach at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont.

McGrane departs Lasell after four years heading up the Lasers cross country and track & field programs, including the past year and a half during which most of the competition was canceled due to the pandemic.

"It has truly been an honor to be the Head Coach for the Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track & Field program for the past four years at Lasell University," said McGrane. "It is a privilege to be able to coach at the collegiate level guiding student-athletes in their development of athleticism as well as their personal and professional growth. I will miss coaching the athletes, working with the assistant coaches and the Lasell Athletic staff. I wish the Lasers X-C and T&F teams the very best this season!"

At Lasell, McGrane coached sprinter Ben Lane, who captured multiple 100-meter and 200-meter Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) outdoor championships and qualified for the New England Division III Championships in 2019, and he coached several athletes to podium performances, including triple jump champion Zach Kirsch, at the 2020 GNAC indoor championships shortly before the pandemic hit.

A 1993 graduate of Loras College, McGrane earned All-Conference honors at Loras in cross country and track & field in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters. He has worked for several years with the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) and has competed in more than a dozen Boston Marathons.

"Over the past four years, Michael worked hard to improve our cross country and track & field programs," said Lasell director of athletics Kristy Walter. "He is a dedicated coach who always advocates for the student-athletes. During his time here, he coached many athletes to several school records and personal bests. We wish him the best of luck in his new position."

Walter said the search for a new head coach for the Lasers will begin immediately.

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