Buffalo, N.Y. - Canisius College Director of Athletics Bill Maher announced Nate Huckle has been named the men's and women's cross country head coach. A five-time Section V Coach of the Year selection, Huckle will take over the program immediately.

"We are extremely excited to have Nate Huckle join the Canisius athletics staff as our next head cross country coach," said Maher. "Nate thoroughly impressed our staff and our student-athletes with his experience as a coach and his vision to continue the growth of our cross country programs. We are all looking forward to continued success of our program under his leadership."

Huckle arrives at Canisius after serving as the head coach of the men's and women's cross country, and indoor and outdoor track programs at Brighton Central School, located outside of Rochester, N.Y. In his eight years as head coach, Huckle guided the Barons to Section V Class A titles each year, sending a total of 14 runners to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Cross Country Championships.

"Any opportunity to coach at the collegiate level is great, but to take the reins of a program with such a strong reputation for athletic and academic excellence is truly exciting," said Huckle. I feel I have the chance to build on an already solid foundation of performance and tradition."

During his collegiate career, Huckle competed at SUNY Brockport in cross country, and indoor and outdoor track for head coach John Izzo. Huckle graduated from SUNY Brockport, receiving his bachelor's degree in journalism in 1998 and a second bachelor's degree in English literature in 2000. He would go onto earn a master's degree in liberal studies in 2007. While studying for his second bachelor's degree, Huckle volunteered as an assistant coach at SUNY Brockport.

Prior to joining the Golden Griffins, Huckle served as assistant camp director at the Eastern Regional Elite Distance Camp, held at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, N.Y.

The Golden Griffins will start next season with 14 returning letterwinners. In 2011, the Golden Griffin men and women each finished fifth at the MAAC Championship, held at Van Cortlandt Park in Bronx, N.Y. At the 2011 Little Three Championship versus rivals Niagara University and St. Bonaventure, the Griff men secured their sixth-consecutive title and the women captured their fifth-straight crown.

"Both squads are returning several exceptionally talented student-athletes next fall.  This, coupled with a few strong recruits, should lead to strong seasons for the men and women," said Huckle. "My expectations are high, with goals of continuing our winning streak at the Little Three Championships and matching or improving upon last year's finishes at the National Catholic Championships and MAAC Championships." 

TRANSACTIONS: Nathan Huckle named Canisius cross country head coach.