Eastern Michigan Athletics
Whitelaw Named Head Cross Country Coach, Zydanowicz Promoted to Assistant Coach
7/1/2026 1:00:00 PM | Men's XC, Women's XC, Men's Track & Field, Women's Track & Field
Whitelaw will take over both men’s and women’s programs while Zydanowicz transitions to full-time role
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University Track & Field Co-Directors Chris Best and Sterling Roberts announced the transition for Head Men's Cross Country Coach Austin Whitelaw to Head Cross Country Coach, along with the promotion of Jenna Zydanowicz to Assistant Cross Country and Track & Field Coach Wednesday, July 1.
Following the retirement of Sue Parks, Whitelaw will take charge of both men's and women's cross country programs, while also continuing as Assistant Track & Field Coach, overseeing the distance runners.
"Austin has been with our program for 2 years now, and has done an excellent job," said Roberts. "He has had the privilege of working with Coach Parks during that time to build relationships with the women and to work with them in various capacities and has even taken on some of the women's recruiting responsibilities while heading up the men's distance group. Losing a legacy like Coach Parks is never an easy transition, but we're excited that Austin is up to the challenge of combining the men's and women's distance groups under one voice."
"Words cannot express my excitement and gratitude for this opportunity," said Whitelaw. "I want to thank Sue Parks for the foundation of excellence she established within our Women's Cross Country program. I also want to thank Chris Best and Sterling Roberts, our Co-Directors of Track & Field/Cross Country, as well as Scott Wetherbee and Cliff Sims, for their confidence in me and for entrusting me with this role."
Whitelaw first joined the programs Aug. 1, 2024. Now entering his third year with the Eagles, he has led three student-athletes from the men's cross country program to All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) Second Team nods, along with one distance medley relay and six individual MAC titles in the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.
In the 2025-26 academic year, Kian Wiles earned All-MAC Second Team with an eighth place finish at the Cross Country MAC Championships. In the indoor track season, the men's distance squad scored 48 points at the MAC Championships under Whitelaw's guidance, with Wiles earning double gold in the mile and 800m, along with the distance medley relay team of Michael Hawkins, Ronan Codyre, Ty Dailey, and Jimmy Geller claiming victory. Most recently in the outdoor season, Whitelaw's men scored 36 points at the MAC Championships, and Wiles earned another individual title in the 1500m. Wiles also qualified for the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships First Round in the 1500m.
In the 2024 cross country season, Sam Peterson and Codyre earned All-MAC Second Team for their eighth and 11th place respective finishes at the Cross Country MAC Championships. In the 2024-25 track and field indoor season, Wiles took home the MAC title in the mile, while Carson McCoy claimed victory in the 800m run. At the outdoor championships, Wiles earned the victory in the 1500m run, while Lachlan Cornelius captured the title in the 800m.
"I am truly humbled with this opportunity," continued Whitelaw. "I look forward to continuing to guide our student-athletes toward conference championships, academic achievement, and ultimately, graduation. Together, we will build on our proud tradition while striving for even greater success in the years ahead."
"The legacy of the Parks on the mens and womens teams will leave an everlasting impact. We are excited for this new chapter of Eastern Michigan cross country/track & field as we combine the distance program under one head coach," said Best. "Austin's previous stops at Tennessee and UCONN where both programs competed under one head coach shows he has the right experience for this new journey. Also, during his tenure as a student-athlete at Tennessee they were a combined distance program. So, we are beyond excited for this new journey of two historic distance programs."
Whitelaw brought three years of collegiate coaching experience with him to Ypsilanti, as he previously served as an assistant track & field/cross country coach as well as recruiting coordinator for the University of Connecticut (2022-24), after a one-year stint in the same role at the University of Tennessee.
Whitelaw also saw great success in his time lacing up the spikes. A 2011 graduate of Monroe High School, he was the 2010 Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) cross country runner-up prior to signing his national letter of intent to attend Tennessee. In Knoxville, he was a 2014 NCAA Cross Country Championships individual qualifier before punching his ticket to the NCAA Track & Field First Round Championships in the 5,000m in both 2015 and 2016.
In addition to being a native of Monroe, Mich., Whitelaw has deep ties to Eastern Michigan as his mother earned an undergrad and graduate degree from the institution while his father served on the EMU police force for 19 years.
Zydanowicz also transitioned to a full-time role as Assistant Cross Country and Track & Field Coach entering her second year with the programs.
"Over the past year Jenna served as a part time assistant distance coach working with both the men's and women's programs," explained Best. "Anyone that meets Jenna instantly sees how passionate, energetic, enthusiastic, and dynamic of a personality she has. She is always willing to help in any capacity necessary. Her ability to connect with recruits and student-athletes will make her a great asset to not only the distance program but to the track and field team as a whole."
"I am honored and excited to be elevated within the EMU Cross Country and Track & Field Program as the Assistant Distance Coach," said Zydanowicz. "I look forward to continuously impacting our student-athletes holistically, and building upon EMU's tradition of excellence. A special thank you to our Co-Directors Chris Best and Sterling Roberts, along with the entire coaching staff for giving me this opportunity".
In her first year with the Eagles, she assisted the women's cross country team to a win at the Jenna Strong Fall Classic, as Liv Hatch and Lucy Jones earned first and second place finishes, respectively. In the indoor track season, Zydanowicz saw Sophie Emin and Christiana Coleman run podium finishes in the 800m at the MAC Championships. In the outdoor campaign, Coleman etched her name into the outdoor program top 10, running the 800m in 2:02.09 at the Spec Towns Invitational for spot No. 10.
"Jenna may be a young coach, but in the past year that she has been a part of our staff in a part-time role, she showed a true commitment to our storied EMU program and to taking on the roles necessary for success," said Roberts. "She is admired among the staff and the student-athletes and brings a palpable energy and excitement to her coaching. I've been extremely impressed by the diligence she has shown this past year as a part-time member of the staff and am thrilled to welcome her in this full-time role."
Zydanowicz was hired in the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign after graduating from the cross country and track and field programs at the University of Connecticut in 2025. A five-year member of the Huskies' programs (2020-2025), she earned her Bachelor of Science in allied health sciences and her Master of Public Health, along with a multitude of athletic achievements.
During her collegiate career, she was a three-time captain for both cross country and track and field teams. She holds school records in the 1000 meter, 3000m, and distance medley relay, along with holding second-place program times in the mile, 1500m, and 5000m. Zydanowicz was an NCAA Individual Qualifier in 2024 in the cross country 6k, and an NCAA First Round Qualifier in 2025 in the 5000m.
Follow Us
For updates on all things EMU cross country/track & field, continue to check EMUEagles.com or follow the team on Instagram, X, and Facebook at @EMUXC_TF.
Following the retirement of Sue Parks, Whitelaw will take charge of both men's and women's cross country programs, while also continuing as Assistant Track & Field Coach, overseeing the distance runners.
"Austin has been with our program for 2 years now, and has done an excellent job," said Roberts. "He has had the privilege of working with Coach Parks during that time to build relationships with the women and to work with them in various capacities and has even taken on some of the women's recruiting responsibilities while heading up the men's distance group. Losing a legacy like Coach Parks is never an easy transition, but we're excited that Austin is up to the challenge of combining the men's and women's distance groups under one voice."
"Words cannot express my excitement and gratitude for this opportunity," said Whitelaw. "I want to thank Sue Parks for the foundation of excellence she established within our Women's Cross Country program. I also want to thank Chris Best and Sterling Roberts, our Co-Directors of Track & Field/Cross Country, as well as Scott Wetherbee and Cliff Sims, for their confidence in me and for entrusting me with this role."
Whitelaw first joined the programs Aug. 1, 2024. Now entering his third year with the Eagles, he has led three student-athletes from the men's cross country program to All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) Second Team nods, along with one distance medley relay and six individual MAC titles in the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.
In the 2025-26 academic year, Kian Wiles earned All-MAC Second Team with an eighth place finish at the Cross Country MAC Championships. In the indoor track season, the men's distance squad scored 48 points at the MAC Championships under Whitelaw's guidance, with Wiles earning double gold in the mile and 800m, along with the distance medley relay team of Michael Hawkins, Ronan Codyre, Ty Dailey, and Jimmy Geller claiming victory. Most recently in the outdoor season, Whitelaw's men scored 36 points at the MAC Championships, and Wiles earned another individual title in the 1500m. Wiles also qualified for the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships First Round in the 1500m.
In the 2024 cross country season, Sam Peterson and Codyre earned All-MAC Second Team for their eighth and 11th place respective finishes at the Cross Country MAC Championships. In the 2024-25 track and field indoor season, Wiles took home the MAC title in the mile, while Carson McCoy claimed victory in the 800m run. At the outdoor championships, Wiles earned the victory in the 1500m run, while Lachlan Cornelius captured the title in the 800m.
"I am truly humbled with this opportunity," continued Whitelaw. "I look forward to continuing to guide our student-athletes toward conference championships, academic achievement, and ultimately, graduation. Together, we will build on our proud tradition while striving for even greater success in the years ahead."
"The legacy of the Parks on the mens and womens teams will leave an everlasting impact. We are excited for this new chapter of Eastern Michigan cross country/track & field as we combine the distance program under one head coach," said Best. "Austin's previous stops at Tennessee and UCONN where both programs competed under one head coach shows he has the right experience for this new journey. Also, during his tenure as a student-athlete at Tennessee they were a combined distance program. So, we are beyond excited for this new journey of two historic distance programs."
Whitelaw brought three years of collegiate coaching experience with him to Ypsilanti, as he previously served as an assistant track & field/cross country coach as well as recruiting coordinator for the University of Connecticut (2022-24), after a one-year stint in the same role at the University of Tennessee.
Whitelaw also saw great success in his time lacing up the spikes. A 2011 graduate of Monroe High School, he was the 2010 Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) cross country runner-up prior to signing his national letter of intent to attend Tennessee. In Knoxville, he was a 2014 NCAA Cross Country Championships individual qualifier before punching his ticket to the NCAA Track & Field First Round Championships in the 5,000m in both 2015 and 2016.
In addition to being a native of Monroe, Mich., Whitelaw has deep ties to Eastern Michigan as his mother earned an undergrad and graduate degree from the institution while his father served on the EMU police force for 19 years.
Zydanowicz also transitioned to a full-time role as Assistant Cross Country and Track & Field Coach entering her second year with the programs.
"Over the past year Jenna served as a part time assistant distance coach working with both the men's and women's programs," explained Best. "Anyone that meets Jenna instantly sees how passionate, energetic, enthusiastic, and dynamic of a personality she has. She is always willing to help in any capacity necessary. Her ability to connect with recruits and student-athletes will make her a great asset to not only the distance program but to the track and field team as a whole."
"I am honored and excited to be elevated within the EMU Cross Country and Track & Field Program as the Assistant Distance Coach," said Zydanowicz. "I look forward to continuously impacting our student-athletes holistically, and building upon EMU's tradition of excellence. A special thank you to our Co-Directors Chris Best and Sterling Roberts, along with the entire coaching staff for giving me this opportunity".
In her first year with the Eagles, she assisted the women's cross country team to a win at the Jenna Strong Fall Classic, as Liv Hatch and Lucy Jones earned first and second place finishes, respectively. In the indoor track season, Zydanowicz saw Sophie Emin and Christiana Coleman run podium finishes in the 800m at the MAC Championships. In the outdoor campaign, Coleman etched her name into the outdoor program top 10, running the 800m in 2:02.09 at the Spec Towns Invitational for spot No. 10.
"Jenna may be a young coach, but in the past year that she has been a part of our staff in a part-time role, she showed a true commitment to our storied EMU program and to taking on the roles necessary for success," said Roberts. "She is admired among the staff and the student-athletes and brings a palpable energy and excitement to her coaching. I've been extremely impressed by the diligence she has shown this past year as a part-time member of the staff and am thrilled to welcome her in this full-time role."
Zydanowicz was hired in the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign after graduating from the cross country and track and field programs at the University of Connecticut in 2025. A five-year member of the Huskies' programs (2020-2025), she earned her Bachelor of Science in allied health sciences and her Master of Public Health, along with a multitude of athletic achievements.
During her collegiate career, she was a three-time captain for both cross country and track and field teams. She holds school records in the 1000 meter, 3000m, and distance medley relay, along with holding second-place program times in the mile, 1500m, and 5000m. Zydanowicz was an NCAA Individual Qualifier in 2024 in the cross country 6k, and an NCAA First Round Qualifier in 2025 in the 5000m.
Follow Us
For updates on all things EMU cross country/track & field, continue to check EMUEagles.com or follow the team on Instagram, X, and Facebook at @EMUXC_TF.
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