Franklin & Marshall's Director of Athletics and Recreation, Patricia S.W. Epps, announced the hiring of John D. Stoudt of Lancaster as the College's Cross Country Coach. Stoudt has served the college as an assistant coach since November of the current academic year. He will assume his new post immediately.

"In his short time with the Track and Field team, John has quickly demonstrated that he is a perfect fit for the department and college," said Epps. "We are thrilled he will be joining us in this added capacity."

Stoudt is intimately familiar with the local running scene. He served as the Head Cross Country Coach at Lancaster Catholic from 2001 through 2005, and as the Head Track & Field Coach at Lancaster Catholic from 2004 through 2006. He also served as a volunteer assistant coach at Conestoga Valley for several seasons.

"I am thankful for the opportunity to coach at this level," said Stoudt. "Franklin & Marshall is truly a great school. The bar is set pretty high within the Conference, and I look forward to competing at that level."

Stoudt is an accomplished runner, having won local races such as the Market Street Mile and the Master's title at Shiver by the River Winter Series. He has also run with group of local elite runners that claimed several long distance relays throughout the Mid-Atlantic and out West on courses ranging from 70 to 200 miles.

Stoudt graduated from Kutztown with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, and completed his Masters in Education, Sports Management, at Millersville University in December of 2007. He is the Program Director at Prescott House, which provides residential care services for trouble teenagers.