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Men's Cross Country

Skiles named VMI Head Cross Country Coach

LEXINGTON, Va. – VMI Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Zack Scott announced Wednesday the addition of Head Cross Country Coach Tony Skiles to his coaching staff.
 
Skiles comes to the Institute by way of The University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas, where he served as Head Men's and Women's Cross Country/Track Coach since 2022. There he established the largest cross country team in over a decade, set expectations for the athletes' performance in class and on the team, secured victories in two meets and achieved 19 school records in a single year. He also developed the fastest women's team in program history.
 
"I am excited to welcome Coach Skiles, his wife Kristen, and their children to VMI," Scott said. "Coach Skiles brings both energy and technical expertise to our cross country and track and field programs, along with a proven track record of successfully recruiting high-quality student-athletes into smaller programs. I look forward to his contributions in helping us fill key gaps, add depth, and continue building a competitive and well-rounded team."
 
Prior to Ozarks, Skiles coached the 2022 season at Finlandia University in Hancock, Michigan, where he collaborated with Enrollment Services to develop a new cross country program.
 
From 2020-22, Skiles served as Head Men's and Women's Cross Country/Track Coach at University of the Southwest in Hobbs, New Mexico, where he scheduled recruiting visits and events on campus, collaborated with the department on Covid protocols, assisted graduate assistants with workouts and recruiting.
 
"I would like to thank Coach Scott, Coach (Eddie) Williams, Mr. (Jamaal) Walton and Mr. (Lenny) Brown," Coach Skiles said. "My family and I are excited to be part of the VMI family. I am very blessed to be able to work with staff that brings high positive energy to the Institute and the program. Having a chance to work at a place that has such a rich history is an absolute dream."
 
Skiles was the Head Cross Country Coach/Track and Field Coach at Cottey College (Nevada, Mo.) from 2017-20, overseeing all recruitment, maintaining the team social media platforms and organizing a cross country summer camp and two home meets. He helped the school in its transition from the NJCAA to the NAIA.
 
He also served as Head Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach at Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village, Nevada from 2015-16 and as the Head Men's and Women's Cross Country/Assistant Track Coach at Albright College (Reading, Pa.) from 2013-15.
 
His collegiate coaching career began at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida, from 2011-13 as an Assistant Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach.
 
Skiles owns the following certifications:
- USATF Level 1
- USATF Level 2 (Jumps)
- First Aid/CPC
 
He received a bachelor's degree in political science as well as a bachelor's degree in history from Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, in 2010.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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