FAIRFIELD, Conn. – After nearly three decades as a collegiate cross country head coach, Fairfield University's John Sagnelli has announced that he is retiring from the sport at the end of June.
“It’s the right time,” Sagnelli said. “I have had a wonderful coaching career. I’ve enjoyed the last seven seasons at Fairfield. All of the student-athletes that have come through the program have helped build something special. I’m thankful to all that have helped the program along the way. We’ve seen a lot of success because of their dedication and commitment to Fairfield University Cross Country and I know that will continue.”
Fairfield has showed steady improvement under Sagnelli's tutelage. In 2012, the men’s cross country team captured the University Division race at the IC4A Championships for the first time ever. In league competition, the men's team has jumped up five spots at the MAAC Championships in the last four seasons, finishing 2010, 2011, and 2013 in fourth place. He also guided Jake Ruskan to a 15th place finish at the 2011 MAAC Championships, marking the Stags' first All-MAAC honoree in more than a decade. In 2012, Connor Kelley and Howie Rosas placed 13th and 15th, respectively, at the MAAC Championships to mark the first time in program history in which Fairfield had two All-MAAC honorees.
The women's team has also steadily improved, jumping by as much as four spots at the MAAC Championships over the last three seasons, finishing 2010 and 2012 in fifth place at the event. The Stags also saw their first All-MAAC honoree in more than a decade as Maureen Crimmins placed 13th at the 2012 MAAC Championships.
In the classroom, both the men’s and women’s programs have the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team Award for six consecutive seasons. The men’s program has received the NCAA Public Recognition Award for nine consecutive seasons while the women’s program has received the honor for three consecutive years.
“Coach Sagnelli’s passion and dedication during his tenure helped to advance the Fairfield University Cross Country program,” said Director of Athletics Eugene Doris. “He raised the bar of competition and did it by recruiting student-athletes that excelled in the classroom and as great ambassadors for the University. We thank him for his contributions and wish him all the best in retirement.”
Sagnelli joined the Stags in 2007 after 12 successful seasons at the University of New Haven. Sagnelli was the men's cross country head coach for 11 seasons and spent the last four as the women's head coach. He was also the head coach of the track and field programs. During his time at New Haven, Sagnelli helped produce 14 Division II All-Americans, a national cross country qualifier, numerous All-New England and NCAA All-Region performers, 11 conference champions, 10 New England champions, and more than 80 All-Conference selections. Prior to his stint at New Haven, Sagnelli served as the women's cross country and track and field coach at Iona College.
A search for his replacement will begin immediately.
