Cross Country Staff

Head Coach Vince DeGrado

Vince DeGrado begins his second season as head coach of the men and women’s cross country teams.

He was named the Region VI Men’s Coach of the Year after he helped the Tiger cross country team capture its first ever Region VI Championship during the 2007 season.

This marks his fourth season coaching cross country at the collegiate level.

In his first season as head coach of the Tiger cross country teams, DeGrado led the men’s team to a fourth place national finish, while the Lady Tigers finished 10th nationally.

Last season he coached NJCAA All-American Jonathan Cherono and three other Coaches Association All-Americans on the men's side. On the Women's side, Cecilia Burley was named a Coaches Association All-American. During the indoor and outdoor track seasons he coached numerous top-six finishers. 

He also coached the men’s indoor 4x800-meter relay team that placed second nationally and earned NJCAA All-American honors. His American distance runners were among some of the best in the country throughout the track season, posting top-20 marks in various events.

Prior to coming to Cowley, DeGrado served as the head cross country and track coach at Allen County Community College for two full seasons.

In the two seasons he coached at Allen County, DeGrado’s squads broke or tied 22 school records. During the 2006 season, his first recruiting class in cross country proved to be a successful one as the Allen County women were ranked in the top-25 for the first time in almost ten years.

He grew up in Mayetta, KS, graduating from Royal Valley High School.  He completed his Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education with a minor in Psychology at Southwestern College in 2004.

He graduated from Emporia State University with his Master's Degree of Science in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. He is USA-TF Level 1 certified, as well as Level 2 certified in Endurance.

As an athlete, DeGrado was an All-State medallist in Cross Country. He started his college career at Coffeyville Community College where he was an Academic All-American, and he was a two-time National Qualifier while competing in cross-country and track. DeGrado continued his running career at Southwestern College where he ran under the legendary Hall of Fame coach Jim Helmer and became a two-time All-American in the 4 x 800-meter and Distance Medley Relay. He was a five-time All-KCAC runner, winning the 4 x 800-meter relay twice, as well as a seven-time National Qualifier.

He and his wife Martha have two children: Natalie 8, Braiden 7.

DeGrado can be reached at (620) 442-2056 or at degradov@cowley.edu