RAUSCH RESIGNS AT WESTFIELD STATE CROSS COUNTRY COACH 

Robert Rausch has announced his resignation as the head coach of both the Westfield State men's and women's cross country teams.

Rausch's tenure at Westfield State was highly successful. He coached the men's team for 13 years, leading them to seven championships in the Massachusetts State College Athletics Conference (MASCAC).

He was even more successful with the women's team, guiding them to nine MASCAC crowns and three runner-up finishes in 12 years. In addition, the Westfield women finished second five times in the New England Alliance championships, and placed 11th in the 1999 New England Division III championships.

"I've had the time of my life coaching cross country at Westfield State College. The satisfaction you get from being part of the growth and development of young adults is immeasurable," said Rausch, who is a professor in the Westfield State movement science department. "I'm going to really miss that daily contact with athletes.

"It's been an honor and a pleasure to work with the wonderful people in our athletics department, as well as with the coaches and runners throughout the region," Rausch continued. "I'm looking forward to having more time to spend with my family and the opportunity to take on some new challenges."

"On behalf of Westfield State, I want to thank coach Rausch for his professionalism, hard work and time that he has dedicated to our cross country program," said Westfield State athletics director Richard Lenfest. "Bob is a first-class educator and coach. He is well respected by his student-athletes, colleagues and fellow coaches. Bob's success as a coach is unparalleled in the conference and our department and we will surely miss working with him. I wish Bob the very best in his future endeavors."