Connor Hood, Golden Bears and Pandas Athletics
EDMONTON -
Golden Bears and Pandas Athletics has made a significant change to their Cross Country program, announcing that Sean Baynton has been promoted to the position of Head Coach. Baynton will be the 12th Head Coach in program history, and will report directly to Wes Moerman who will remain in the role of Head Coach of the Golden Bears and Pandas Track and Field program.
"We are fortunate that Sean has made the commitment to continue his efforts to build the Golden Bears and Pandas Cross Country and endurance program.” said UAlberta Athletic Director Ian Reade. “The addition of a full-time professional endurance coach to our Athletics program signals a further commitment by Athletics to Edmonton's growing number of track athletes.”
Baynton has been with the Golden Bears and Pandas for five seasons, joining the program in 2012. He has served as the endurance coach with the Track and Field Team, helping guide the Pandas to back-to-back Canada West titles, and the Bears to consecutive conference silver medals. He earned his Masters of Education Degree in Coaching Studies from the University of Victoria, and has also spent time with the University of Victoria, Manitoba and Saskatchewan Athletic Departments.
Baynton has also served as the Manager, National Program Coach Development from 2012-2016.
"Sean has done tremendous work in growing the endurance portion of our program over the past few years. Having Sean continuing to build is a positive step forward, not only for the endurance athletes but the entire Bears and Pandas cross country and track and field program.” said Moerman on the promotion of Baynton. “Sean has been leading the endurance side of the program, and it is appropriate to promote him to the role of Head Coach for Cross Country. It's another step down the path of the University of Alberta being a complete cross country and track and field program, not just a team with an event specialization. I look forward to continuing to work with Sean in his new role.”
The Pandas cross country team earned a conference silver medal last season, as well as a sixth place finish at the national championship. The Bears, meanwhile, did not place last season, but finished 15th in U SPORTS in 2015/16.
Golden Bears and Pandas Athletics has made a significant change to their Cross Country program, announcing that Sean Baynton has been promoted to the position of Head Coach. Baynton will be the 12th Head Coach in program history, and will report directly to Wes Moerman who will remain in the role of Head Coach of the Golden Bears and Pandas Track and Field program. "We are fortunate that Sean has made the commitment to continue his efforts to build the Golden Bears and Pandas Cross Country and endurance program.” said UAlberta Athletic Director Ian Reade. “The addition of a full-time professional endurance coach to our Athletics program signals a further commitment by Athletics to Edmonton's growing number of track athletes.” Baynton has been with the Golden Bears and Pandas for five seasons, joining the program in 2012. He has served as the endurance coach with the Track and Field Team, helping guide the Pandas to back-to-back Canada West titles, and the Bears to consecutive conference silver medals. He earned his Masters of Education Degree in Coaching Studies from the University of Victoria, and has also spent time with the University of Victoria, Manitoba and Saskatchewan Athletic Departments. Baynton has also served as the Manager, National Program Coach Development from 2012-2016. "Sean has done tremendous work in growing the endurance portion of our program over the past few years. Having Sean continuing to build is a positive step forward, not only for the endurance athletes but the entire Bears and Pandas cross country and track and field program.” said Moerman on the promotion of Baynton. “Sean has been leading the endurance side of the program, and it is appropriate to promote him to the role of Head Coach for Cross Country. It's another step down the path of the University of Alberta being a complete cross country and track and field program, not just a team with an event specialization. I look forward to continuing to work with Sean in his new role.” The Pandas cross country team earned a conference silver medal last season, as well as a sixth place finish at the national championship. The Bears, meanwhile, did not place last season, but finished 15th in U SPORTS in 2015/16.