On Tuesday, the Lindenwood track and field and cross country program announced the departure of two coaches.  Director of the program, David Nicholson will return to his alma mater and serve as head coach at Eastern Connecticut State.  Randy Cole has been named the head coach of the cross country squad at Kansas State.

Nicholson came to Lindenwood in 2019 and found immediate success.  The women's track and field team earned 13th place at the 2019 NCAA Division II Outdoor National Championships, the best in program history since joining the NCAA.  In 2020, Samuel Yaro was named the GLVC Indoor Track and Field Male Athlete of the Year.  During the 2021 season, the Lions garnered four All-Americans, while Armani Modeste was touted as GLVC Freshman of the Year.  This past season, the Lions compiled six national qualifiers.  The men's team finished in a tie for 21st place, while Olivia Alexandre was the lone representative on the women's side and took fourth place in the 400-meter hurdles.

"My time at Lindenwood has been special; being able to coach this team and grow the program with them will be unforgettable," said Nicholson. "They inspired and challenged me to new lengths. It was great being able to be a part of the Lindenwood vision and community and I expect big things in Lion Country!"

Nicholson will return to ECSU, where he was an All-American in 2006, and twice named the school's Male Athlete of the Year.  In October of 2021, Nicholson was inducted into the Eastern Connecticut State University Athletics Alumni Hall of Fame.  Nicholson began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at NCAA Division I program Wagner College.  He stepped outside of collegiate coaching for three years while serving as a sports performance specialist with Integrated Athletic Performance, during which time he had the opportunity to be involved with both the 2010 and 2011 NFL Combines. Nicholson returned to college coaching in 2012 with a two-year stop at Queens (N.Y.) College, which was followed by stops at American International College and Barton College.

Cole concluded his 10th season with the Lions, as his leadership generated success.  In 2018, the men's cross country team finished fifth at the NCAA Central Region Championships.  Omas Es Salmouny claimed the conference title in the 3,000 steeplechase, as he later went on to take second place at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships.  In 2017, Cole was named the MIAA Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year, as the Lions claimed the conference title.

"I have appreciated the opportunity to work at Lindenwood," said Cole. "The most important aspect has been the student-athletes that I have had the chance to help out.  Thanks to all and continued growth for the Lions!"

Cole returns to Kansas State after more than 18 years.  During his first stint, Cole was a three-time Women's Cross Country Region Coach of the Year and was named the 1998 Big 12 Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year.  The Wildcats women's cross country team won the 1998 Big 12 Championship and the 1998, 1999, and 2000 Midwest Region Championships.  The 1999 squad placed fifth in the nation at the national meet.  He coached eight cross country All-Americans, 23 All-Region performers, four All-Region champions, and 14 All-Big 12 performers.  In track & field, Cole helped the women's team win the 2001 and 2002 Big 12 Championships.  He coached 12 indoor and three outdoor All-Americans, and seven indoor and five outdoor Big 12 champions.  At Kansas State, his athletes set seven school records.