LA VERNE, CA — Justin Wood announced that he will step down as head coach of the University of La Verne men's and women's cross country teams.

Wood, who also served as the distance coach for the La Verne track and field teams, has accepted the position of men's head cross country coach as well as an assistant track coach at Dartmouth College.

"We are extremely grateful for Justin's hard work and dedication to the University of La Verne and both the cross country and track programs over the past two and a half years," said Director of Athletics Scott Winterburn. "During his time at the helm, he guided his squads to both academic and athletic success, increased the roster size of both teams, and helped create a better collegiate experience for our cross country student-athletes. We wish Justin much luck and continued success in the future."

Wood led the cross country programs at La Verne for two seasons during which he helped a pair of runners qualify for the NCAA Division III Cross Country National Championships. In 2018 Melissa Cerrillos earned a spot at the meet becoming just the third woman in program history to qualify for the event. Most recently, Matthew Salas earned a place at the 2019 championships, becoming the fourth male runner and first since 2014 to make it to the race. In addition, three runners earned All-Region accolades under Wood, Rachael Dela Cruz and Cerrillos in 2018 and Salas last season, and two earned All-SCIAC honors under Wood's leadership.

On the track, Wood guided Cerrillos to a spot at the NCAA Division III Track and Field Championships when she qualified in 2019 in the 3000m steeplechase. That same season he saw Dela Cruz win the SCIAC Championship in the 3000m steeplechase. In all, Wood helped the Leopards earn six All-Region honors and three All-SCIAC awards on the track.

"I'm incredibly thankful for my time at the University of La Verne and for the opportunity to coach the Leos cross country and track and field programs. I truly believe that my experiences here have helped shape me into the coach I am today. A piece of any success I experience in the future will be owed to La Verne. Thank you and Go Leos!"

Along with athletic success, Wood's teams also excelled in the classroom earning several USTFCCCA All-Academic awards including back-to-back team honors by the women's cross country squad.

The University of La Verne will launch a search to find the program's next head coach.