Cross Country | 6/29/2023 12:00:00 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.  Methodist University Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Eavenson announced on Thursday that director of cross country and track & field Jack Brunecz is leaving Methodist to purse a coaching opportunity at a NCAA Division II institution.
 
Back in 2015, Brunecz was hired as the university's head cross country coach and was an assistant on the track & field teams, mainly working with the distance runners. He eventually was promoted to the director of both programs in May of 2019.
 
"We want to thank Jack for his hard work and efforts as he built highly successful cross country and track and field programs," said Eavenson. "Jack's team competed with class, sportsmanship and at a high level. We thank you Jack for all you have done for Methodist University, our programs and our department, and we wish you all the very best in your new position."

In his eight seasons as the cross country coach Brunecz has over seen 31 USA South All-Conference athletes, four All-Region finishers, four USA South individual cross country champions, and one USA South Rookie of the Year. He has also sent an athlete to the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships in the past two seasons.
 
His coaching success continues into the world of track & field. Since the conference starting sponsoring outdoor T&F as a championship sport in 2019, he has coached 70 total All-Conference athletes which includes four track athlete - & two field rookie athlete of the conference meet. He has also taken five athletes to the NCAA Division III Track & Field Championships, for both indoor and outdoor, where they captured All-American laurels.
 
"I would first like to thank Athletic Director Dave Eavenson for believing in me and supporting me as the Director of Cross Country and Track & Field at Methodist University," said Brunecz. "I would also like to extend a special thank you to former Athletic Director Bob McEvoy for hiring me back in January 2015. Without his belief, none of this would have been possible.
 
To the track & field coaching staff, thank you for your leadership and pouring your hearts into everything we did. The passion you put into your coaching was received by your student-athletes and it helped them thrive.
 
Lastly, to the student-athletes I was fortunate enough to be able to coach, mentor, and develop a relationship with over their time here. Thank you for all of the passion and sacrifice you've made to elevate the programs to where they are. I look forward to following your continued progress as I move on to the next chapter in my coaching career."
 
A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.