BOSTON—Northeastern director of track and field and cross country Cathrine Erickson announced the hiring of Matthew Lonergan as assistant coach on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Lonergan will work primarily with the NU middle distance and distance student-athletes and will focus on cross country competition this fall.

"I am very excited about Matt joining the Northeastern program," said Erickson. "Matt has some incredible coaching experiences at the Olympic, World Championship and national levels and we are excited to welcome Matt and his family to Northeastern."

Lonergan joins the Huskies after spending the past 13 years in Eugene, Ore., as an elite coach for athletes striving to reach the USA Olympic Trials, World Championships and Olympic games. During his time in Eugene, Lonergan founded a development club team of distance runners where he guided athletes to the Sydney and Athens Olympics, USA Olympic Trials and USA National Track and Field Championships.  

Some of the most notable athletes that Lonergan has coached include 10-time American champion and two-time Olympian Marla Runyan. Runyan also placed fifth and was the top American finisher at the 2003 Boston Marathon. Lonergan also coached Shadrack Biwott, a bronze medalist at both the 2013 USATF Half Marathon and 10k National Championships and runner-up at the recent 2013 USATF 20k National Championships. In addition, Lonergan guided Kevin Castille, a 2004 USA Olympic Trials 10k finalist, to USA American masters records at 3k, 5k, 10k, 15k, 10 miles, and 20k. Lonergan has also trained top performers like Sopagna Eap, Christina Doherty, Jenny Crain and Nolan Swanson.  

"I feel honored and privileged that Coach Erickson and her staff have given me the opportunity to be a part of the Northeastern University family, which has always had such an esteemed presence in the Boston and New England areas," said Lonergan. "After being in Oregon for many years, I am excited to return to my native New England with the goal of elevating the educational and athletic experiences of the student-athletes at Northeastern."

The Brockton, Mass., native completed his undergraduate studies at the University of New Hampshire ('96) with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology. He continued his education at California University of Pennsylvania where he will complete a master of science degree in exercise science and health promotion in December 2013.

In addition to coaching, Lonergan worked as a sports agent for Athletics Consulting International (2006-2008), an athletic management firm for professional track and field athletes. As the co-founder of the firm, he represented 20 athletes from Canada, Denmark, Kenya and the United States.

With additional past experiences as a certified athletic trainer, physical therapist and college physical education instructor, Lonergan will bring a unique perspective to the Northeastern track and field and cross country teams.

"Matt's unique experiences, communication style and teaching ability will not only enhance the track and field and cross country programs, but will offer our support staff the assistance and understanding necessary to provide each of our student-athletes with the best running experience possible," Erickson said. "I believe our program is incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to have Matt join us and believe our team has the potential to be stronger than it has ever been in the distance and mid-distance area." 

Lonergan's first competition will come when the Huskies travel to Smithfield, R.I., to compete at the Nassaney Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 7.