Emerson Returns to NEC to Helm Cross Country/Track & Field

Zach Emerson has been named as the Director of the New England College Cross Country and Track & Field programs in an announcement by NEC Director of Athletics Dave DeCew on Monday.

“There isn’t a better leader, coach and recruiter we could bring in to lead this newest athletic endeavor at NEC,” DeCew said in a statement. “Zach’s experience and success speak for themselves, and he has already proven he can be successful at NEC. We can’t wait to see where he can take us in the future.”

Emerson previously coached the NEC Cross Country program from August 2010 to November 2011. During his time in Henniker, the Pilgrims earned multiple accolades, culminating with a 2011 North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Championship for the men’s team. Former NEC great Antoine Gisore claimed the NAC Runner of the Year award as well as U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Region honors, becoming the first runner in school history to qualify for the NCAA Championships.

After departing NEC, Emerson began an incredibly successful run at Franklin Pierce University. Under his leadership, the Ravens secured an NCAA Division II National Championship, 19 All-American honors, and 62 NCAA Championship participants. The Ravens also earned 103 NCAA Track & Field National Qualifying Marks and crowned 156 Northeast 10 Conference Champions, solidifying the program’s reputation as one of the best in the region.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to revitalize the Track & Field programs at New England College,” Emerson said of accepting the position. “Having experienced firsthand how special the NEC family is, I know these successful teams will create well-rounded and engaged student-athletes. The commitment from President Lesperance, David DeCew and the NEC administration towards providing top-class experiences for every Pilgrim is truly inspiring. It’s been amazing to witness how much NEC has grown over the past decade. There’s no doubt that this beautiful institution will continue to flourish, and I can’t wait to be a part of that journey!”

Emerson is also the President of the Hopkinton Runners Society, a non-profit that stewards the Hopkinton Fairgrounds Cross Country Course in Hopkinton, New Hampshire. Emerson personally built the course in 2014, and today it is the scheduled site for the NCAA Division I, II and III Regional championships this coming fall.

He has further served on the NCAA Division II national sport committees for track & field (2019–2023) and cross country (2023–present).

Emerson formally begins at NEC on March 17.

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