AUGUSTA, Ga -- After 18 successful seasons leading Augusta cross country and seven seasons at the helm of the track and field programs, Adam Ward has announced his decision to step down from his position as head coach. Ward leaves Augusta to take on the role of Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach at University of Maine.

"I have been blessed beyond belief to have worked and served at AU for the last 19 years," said Ward. "I'm thankful to Clint Bryant for taking a chance on a young man with almost no experience and allowing me to find my own way. I've thoroughly enjoyed working with all the coaches and staff members I've known over the years. I cannot begin to express the feelings and gratitude to all the student athletes I have worked with over the years. I hope they all know the impact they have had on me and I will never forget the success and friendships I have because of them. It is those relationships past and present that makes it very hard to leave. But, I know AU Track & Field and Cross Country will continue to have success for many years to come. And I will always be cheering for them no matter what. Go Jags!"
 
Highlights of Head Coach Adam Ward at Augusta University (2003-2022)
 

• Men's Peach Belt Conference Cross Country Champions – 2011, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021
• Men's Peach Belt Conference Cross Country Runner-ups – 2012, 2015, 2018
• Women's PBC Cross Country Runner-ups – 2007, 2008, 2010, 2017
• 9th place team at 2019 DII Cross Nationals (Men)
• 28th place team at 2018 DII Cross Nationals (Men)
• 23rd place team at 2017 DII Cross Nationals (Men)
• 31st place team at 2013 DII Cross Nationals (Men)
• 24th place team at 2008 DII Cross Nationals (Women)
• 2018 & '19 Men's Southeast Region Coach of the year
• 5-time PBC Women's XC Coach of the year
  6-time PBC Men's XC Coach of the year
• Hans Troyer - 2022 Peach Belt Conference Steeplechase Champion
• Kai Brickey - 2021 Peach Belt Conference Cross Country Champion
• Mackenzie Taylor - 2020 & '21 Peach Belt Conference Cross Country Champion
• Hunter Kimball - 2021 Peach Belt Conference Steeplechase Champion
• Micah Weathers - 2019 Peach Belt Conference Cross Country Champion
• Leke Adeleye - 2019 Peach Belt Conference Triple Jump Champion 
• Micah Weathers - 2019 Peach Belt Conference 5000m Champion
• Hunter Kimball - 2019 Peach Belt Conference 5000m Champion
• Lara Way - 2018 Peach Belt Conference 10000m Champion
• Christian Collier - 2013, '15 Peach Belt Conference Long Jump Champion (2015 NCAAs Qualifier)
• Taylor Coxwell - 2015 & '17 Peach Belt Conference Decathlon Champion
• Dustin Ross - 2014, '15 Peach Belt Conference 1500m Champion (2013 & '15 NCAAs Qualifier)
• Dustin Ross - 2015 Peach Belt Conference 800m Champion (2015 NCAAs Qualifier)

"I want to thank Coach Ward for all his years of excellent service to our student-athletes and to our department," said Interim Director of Athletics Melissa Brocato.  Adam is a highly successful coach and a great co-worker.  He has grown our Cross Country and Track program into one of the best in the country, and I have no doubt he will do great things at the University of Maine."
 
 
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