Q&A with new track & field coach Kunle Lawson

By RIPKEN SMITH

I recently sat down with new head cross country and track & field coach Kunle Lawson. Lawson is brand new to the program this year after long time head coach Stan Soper retired at the end of this past spring season. Lawson joined the UMW team from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio where he served as director of track & field since 2011.

Why did you decide to become a track and field coach?

“When my throwing coach at Lynchburg College left, following my graduation, I was asked by the head coach to take his position and I accepted the job.”

What made you want to coach Division III sports?

“I wanted to coach division III athletics because the emphasis is placed more on the student athlete rather than the coach.”

What made UMW stand out among the other schools you have coached at?

“First, I wanted to get back to Virginia, because I have spent most of my life here and I always wanted to live in northern Virginia and this is as far north as I want to live. Second, I have recruited against UMW in the past and saw how it attracted both athletic and academic talent and I wanted to be a part of that.”

What do you think made you stand out among the other applicants that applied for the head coaching position of the cross country and track & field teams?

“I am really passionate for the sport and my passion extends to all aspects of track & field. Unlike many coaches that put more effort into just the events they specialize in

What are the expectations you see for the team in the future?

“I fully expect our team in the next couple of years to be able to win CAC championships in both women’s and men’s cross country, and track & field seasons.”