Roark Steps Down After Historic Four-Year Run Leading HU T/F & XC

Huntington University Athletic Director Lori Culler has announced the resignation of Austin Roark as the Foresters’ Director of Track & Field and Cross Country.

Roark concludes a four-year tenure on the Forester coaching staff that was marked by a remarkable stretch of competitive success. During his time at Huntington, the Foresters collected 57 NAIA All-America honors, seven individual national championships and one national championship relay title.

One of the program’s most historic seasons came in 2023, when Huntington earned national recognition as the USTFCCCA NAIA Fred Beile Women’s Program of the Year. The Foresters capped that season with a 13th-place finish at the NAIA Cross Country National Championships, a runner-up finish at the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships and a sixth-place finish at the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships.

“Austin has made an incredible impact on Huntington University track & field and cross country, both through the success of our programs and through the student-athletes he has coached and mentored,” said Culler. “We are extremely grateful for the time, energy and passion he has invested in our Forester programs over the past four years. His accomplishments speak for themselves, and we appreciate the lasting mark he has left on Huntington Athletics. We wish Austin nothing but the best in his next chapter.”

Under Roark’s leadership, Huntington consistently competed at the highest levels of the NAIA, with Foresters earning national honors and championships across multiple events and disciplines.

Huntington will begin a national search for its next Director of Track & Field and Cross Country immediately. Additional information regarding the position and search process will be announced as it becomes available.