Distance Coach

Veteran women's cross-country and distance running coach Betsy Emerson took over coaching duties at Macalester this fall. Emerson was head women’s cross country and track and field coach at Luther College for 17 years before leaving in 2005 for other types of work. Most recently, she worked as an instructor for MultiCare Health Systems in Tacoma, Washington.

At Luther she led highly successful programs, receiving Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) Coach of the Year honors six times in cross-country and three times in track and field. Emerson led the Norse to a thirdplace NCAA Division III finish in cross-country in 2000 and a fourth-place national finish in outdoor track and field in 1997.

“I feel so fortunate to be working at a school that emphasizes academic excellence in an environment that encourages diversity and multiculturalism,” says Emerson. “After spending the
past five years traveling around the world and experiencing different cultures, I have a greater
appreciation for the value of students studying abroad and attending classes with students from other nations.

“Macalester has a history of great individual runners and teams, and I hope that in the years to come we develop into a team that vies for conference championships.”