MISENHEIMER — Pfeiffer University cross-country/track and field coach Andrew Howard has resigned after six seasons and accepted the head position at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise’s inaugural cross country/track and field teams in the NCAA Division II.
“I am excited and honored for the opportunity to lead the track and field and cross-country programs,” Howard said in a UVA Wise press release. “I am looking forward to the challenge of building a track and field program that will be able to be competitive in the nationally strong South Atlantic Conference.”
Since Howard’s coaching tenure in Misenheimer began in 2016, Pfeiffer student-athletes established 30 new school records and various all-conference designations. Fifteen players were named to the USA South All-Academic team during the 2021-22 season.
Last season under Howard’s watch, Pfeiffer athletes finished 1-2 in the individual hammer throw in the USA South Atlantic Conference, with senior Tonishea Ford winning and senior teammate Aaliyah Thomas placing second. Sophomore Alex Stancell placed third in the javelin.
Pfeiffer has participated in the NCAA Division III since the 2020-2021 athletics season after previously competing in the Division II.
Before joining the Falcons, Howard — a former Gardner-Webb University track star — was the 2011 Northwest 2A/1A Conference Coach of the Year at his hometown’s Mount Airy High School and also led the school to the 2009 and 2010 boys’ and girls’ individual cross-country programs to multiple NCHSAA 1A state championships.
Howard worked as an assistant for one season at Pfeiffer before becoming the head coach of the Falcons.